Aisles

by lisahill

All our favourite characters from Bad Girls, but set in a fictional Supermarket. Some of the relationships depicted are between women, so if that's not to your taste, don't read. Hope you enjoy!

1. Chapter 1

Title: Aisles chapters 1-10

Rating: Probably PG

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Shed, I will return them after I have borrowed them.

CHAPTER ONE

Nikki sighed as she walked through the automatic doors, and the air conditioning hit her. Her holiday seemed like a lifetime ago and she'd only got back two days ago. Why do holiday memories pale into the distance when you return to work? It was like she'd never been away. As the second set of automatic doors opened the noise hit her, the hubbub of a hundred conversations, and the beeping. Till after till and they all made the same noise. Nikki made her way over to the customer service desk, she was looking forward to catching up with her staff. As she reached the desk she saw Monica was deep in conversation, clearly trying to placate an irate customer on the other end of the phone. Monica was one of Nikki's most experienced customer service assistants, though she was easily the most forgetful as well!

"Yes, I see, oh dear that is unfortunate. I'm sorry that I can't do anything about that, head office number? Yes certainly, please hold." Monica rummaged around on the desk looking for the address book,

"Second drawer down."

"Nikki! Oh I'm so pleased you're back, ah there it is, don't go anywhere there's something you need to know. Hello? Ah Madam that number for you." Nikki was sure that whatever Monica wanted to tell her could wait, she walked off towards the tills. The store was busy Nikki was pleased to see, and her cashiers seemed to be making easy work of the numerous customers descending upon them.

"Nikki!" Nikki's second in command, Selena waved at her from the supervisors desk that faced the tills. Selena was young and ambitious, as the front end manager Nikki always had boring administrative duties to attend to, she never worried about leaving the front end in Selena's control, she was very capable.

"Hi Selena, busy isn't it?' Nikki hugged Selena briefly and turned to scan the rest of the store,

"Busiest it's been for a few days actually." Selena, pushed her striking red hair out of her eyes and leant on the desk, placing her chin in her hands, "fab tan Nikki." Nikki grinned,

"It was bloody hot."

"Well I've heard that about Mexico, you lucky so and so."

"Who's the manager today?"

"Well at the moment it's Yvonne, but I think Jim's on the close down. I take it you're on the close arriving at this time?"

"Mmm, my own bloody fault, I do the rotas. What possessed me to do the close down on a Friday as my first shift I don't know. My girlfriend was not impressed I can tell you. " Selena was about to question Nikki more but she could see Monica rushing over from the customer service desk. Nikki had never made any secret of her sexuality or the fact that she was seeing someone, but Selena could never recall any details. In fact she was sure that she didn't even know the name of Nikki's girlfriend. They all got on so well on the front end, and spent most of their shifts chatting, Nikki however was always very careful about what she said. She maintained a slight distance between herself and her staff, she was very professional. "Monica love you're going to burst a blood vessel running around like that." Nikki laughed,

"You've only been back two minutes and you've started on me already."

"Only meant with the greatest of affection, what's the matter." Monica looked to Selena,

"Have you told her?" Selena shook her head vigorously,

"No."

"Told me what? Come on you know I hate gossip." Monica swallowed nervously, she knew that Nikki was going to be supremely annoyed when she found out.

"While you were away." Nikki nodded and folded her arms, "Jim took on a new person on the customer service desk."

"What?"

"Well we were a bit short…." Nikki put up her hand to stop Monica,

"Let me get this straight, I walk out of the door and Jim bloody Fenner employs a new person on my department?"

"That's about the long and short of it." Selena remarked,

"Oh found your voice have you?" Nikki didn't mean to be so short with Selena but she very annoyed,

"Oi, don't take it out on me." Selena straightened herself, "Barbara looks like she needs someone with some keys, I'll deal with it shall I?" Selena stalked off to help Barbara, leaving a fuming Nikki and a decidedly uncomfortable looking Monica,

"Don't say anything Mon, I know I shouldn't have snapped but I'm so pissed off, he's got no rights."

"Hasn't he? He is the store manager."

"That's a joke and you know it, he's got no idea what happens in this place. He's a bloody dinosaur who has no idea about retail in the 21st Century. I'm going to speak to Yvonne, he must have had to run it past her, she's HR."

"I don't think he did to be honest." Nikki weaved her way through the increasingly lengthy queues and headed towards the back of the store and the offices. She swiped her attendance card through the machine viciously, this was the last place she wanted to be at the moment but she would bloody well get paid for it. She marched into the manager's office, ignoring the 'meeting in progress' sign on the door. Yvonne Atkins, Human Resources manager was in there on the phone. On seeing Nikki she smiled, however the smile soon disappeared when she realised that Nikki was in a black mood.

"I'll have to call you back Diane bit of a crisis here, alright darlin' speak to you later." She replaced the receiver and swivelled her chair around so that she was facing Nikki, "welcome back, Nik."

"Cut the crap Yvonne, what the hell has Jim been up to, I only went away for a fortnight."

"Calm down, it's not that much of a big deal. Look you knew the customer service desk was running short."

"Yes and I told you that I would deal with it when I got back."

"Yes you did and that was acceptable to me, unfortunately neither you nor me are the store manager. Jim decided the situation needed to be resolved and took it upon himself to take someone new on."

"What about Mark?"

"Because Jim decided he wanted to be involved in the interview process he sent Mark to the Area Management meetings. Mark wasn't in the store very much." Mark Waddle was the assistant manager, far more popular than Jim and more efficient in his job. However he was so nice that he would never put himself forward to replace Jim, even though Yvonne and Nikki always tried to convince him it would benefit the store if he did.

"Did you sit in on the interviews?"

"Some of them."

"And who did he take on?" Yvonne rummaged around the paperwork in front of her, finally laying her hands on the right piece of paper, she held it in front of her,

"Helen Stewart her name is, 31, not much else here actually."

"Nothing else? Well we know what that means, he's taken her on because she's attractive and probably flashed him a bit of leg. Remember Shell, she's about as much use as a chocolate teapot and I'm still lumbered with her after Jim took her on. Just so he's got a blonde bimbo to look at when he bothers to come on to the shop floor!" Nikki's passion for her job always surprised Yvonne, as a human resources manager it was refreshing to work with someone who cared about their job and their staff. Nikki however sometimes did get on her soapbox, forgetting who was on her side,

"Well it's not all bad, if she's attractive eh Nik?"
"Oh please."

"Look, I know it's annoying but it's not a big deal. You have how many staff under you? 40, 50? This is one woman."

"I know but I've worked hard to make sure that I know all my staff and I took them all on individually. The supervisors and the customer service people are the most important part of the department. If we all don't get on then the department will suffer."

"Nikki, look, you're a very talented manager you can make any combination work as a team. Anyway Helen Stewart is due in at, 9am tomorrow for her first shift, you'll meet her then."

"Fanbloodytastic." Nikki turned around to walk out of the office,

"Nik."

"Yes Yvonne?"

"Be nice."

"This uniform is horrible." Helen spoke out loud as she looked at herself in the mirror she tugged at the green shirt and fiddled with her name badge, 'HELEN, Happy to help',

"what do you think Livvy?" Olivia gurgled good naturedly and put her arms out to be picked up. Helen lifted her high in the air and planted a kiss on her chubby cheeks, "you don't care what I look like do you my darling!"

"Helen! Come on we're going to be late."

"I'm coming Duncan." Helen quickly pulled off her uniform she had collected earlier in the day, ready to start her new job the following day.

"Were you talking to yourself up there?"

"Nope, to your darling daughter!"

"And did she answer back?"

"In her own way. How ridiculous is that uniform?"

"It's a green shirt and a pair of black trousers, I've seen worse." Duncan picked Olivia out of Helen's arms,

"Green doesn't suit me."

"Yeah it does, matches your eyes. Now come on we'll be late for the doctors."

"I'm sure Livvy wouldn't mind, I'm not sure I can watch them stick a needle in her." Duncan smiled and put his arm around Helen pulling her into a close hug,

"She'll be fine, and she'll be much calmer if we're both there, lets go team Stewart."

The rest of the day had passed without incident for Nikki, her staff had been pleased to see her back, no one had called in sick and the dreaded queues had been kept at bay. Monica had gone home to be replaced by Cassie Tyler, another customer service assistant. Nikki had high hopes for Cassie and hoped that eventually she would make a good supervisor, maybe even take over from Nikki herself. Selena would be the natural successor but Nikki knew that she would probably move to another store for a promotion.

"Any problems then?"

"Nope," Nikki leant back against the supervisors desk, "all quiet on the western front."

"Who have we got as manager?" Nikki turned around and grimaced, "oh Jim then."

"Apparently but he hasn't arrived yet, poor Yvonne's been here since 7am. It's nearly 5 now and no sign of our great leader."

"Are we going to get any work done today ladies?"

"Alright Yvonne, why don't you get off. It's quiet down here and Cassie can handle it. I'll take over out the back."

"You're alright Nik, Jim just rang he's on his way. Car trouble apparently. Frances Myers is back from holiday today, I've just spoken to her on the phone." Nikki looked up, seemingly disinterested, "you know Frances Myers, Area Manager?"

"Yeah I know who you're talking about Yvonne, and?"

"We're due an inspection, she's coming in next week to brief us. We're going to have Area breathing down our necks for a few weeks. Can't say I'm sure about Myers but there you go."

"She's alright Yvonne, as far as Area Management goes. I'll make sure everything down here is by the book."

"Cheers mate, see you tomorrow. Later Cass." Yvonne made her way back through the store greeting every member of staff she came to by their name. Name badges help, but she really did know everyone in the store. Something Nikki and Yvonne shared was a belief you should know your staff, for this reason they were both popular.

"So how was your holiday Nikki?"

"Great Cass, thanks. The weather was lovely and we got a chance to relax."

"Just you and your girlfriend yeah?"

"Mmm, oh look Roisin seems to have got herself in a bit of a muddle. I'll just go and give her a hand." Nikki rushed off towards one of the end tills, where Roisin Connor one of the cashiers was waving frantically. Cass stayed at the customer service desk, Nikki was so secretive when it came to her private life. She was a great laugh and was really easy to talk to, but when the conversation came round to partners she would either change the subject or rush off. You could never pin her down, Cassie knew that part of it was Nikki's desire to remain professional and slightly distanced from her staff. When Cass had first arrived at the Harbourne Supersavers store she had had a brief ill-conceived fling with Nikki. It had not lasted long, both women decided they were better as friends and Nikki was very uncomfortable having a relationship with a member of her staff. They had called it a day very quickly but had remained good friends and they worked well as a team. Cass couldn't understand why over the last year or so Nikki had closed herself to everyone. She was still fun, witty and charming with staff and customers alike, but on her own she now seemed like a closed book.

CHAPTER TWO

"I'm home!"

"About bloody time, it's gone 10.30!"

"Were you worried?"

"What about you? No just thinking about food." Frances winked and kissed Nikki warmly on the lips, "are you hungry?" Nikki wrapped her arms around Frances and pulled her closer,

"I have got something of an appetite!"

"Oi, for food!" Frances playfully slapped Nikki on the arm, she grabbed her arm and led her to their kitchen, "I've saved you some, come and tell me about your first shift back." Nikki sat down at the table while Frances busied herself in the kitchen, she popped a plate with some lasagne in the microwave and poured them two large glasses of red wine. "There you go darling, you look tired." Frances leant down and kissed Nikki.

"It's just getting used to being back, mmm this wine is nice, one of the good bottles! Oh Fran I wish we were back on that beach."

"I know." The two women moved closer together, their eyes glazed with lust, the microwave beeped loudly. "saved by the bell!" Frances got up and got Nikki's lasagne out of the microwave, "so come on, who's pissed you off already."

"No one."

"Nik, you've practically got it stamped on your forehead, what's Fenner done?" In between mouthfuls of steaming lasagne Nikki filled Frances in on her first day. "To be honest Nikki it's not worth getting worked up about."

"That's what Yvonne said, I know but it's not the point Fran." Nikki got up to rinse her plate under the taps, "he's done it deliberately to undermine me."

"Don't be so sensitive, sounds like the department needed someone else and Jim decided to do something about it." Nikki whipped around from the sink,

"Are you saying that I can't do my job properly, it's my department."

"Don't Nik, calm down. At the end of the day Jim is the store manager. The buck stops with him. Let's not talk about this anymore." Frances began to clear the rest of the things from the table.

"You spoke to Yvonne today then?"

"Oh yeah I did, you lot are due an inspection. Better get your affairs in order!" Frances raised her eyebrow and flicked the tea towel at Nikki. Nikki chose not to respond and carried on filling up the dishwasher.

Affair, that was an interesting turn of phrase. Even though her and Frances had been together for nearly a year it still felt like they were having an affair. Nikki wasn't proud of the circumstances that had brought them together. She'd never cheated on anyone in her life and had never thought that she would be the kind of person to have an affair but that had all changed when she met Frances. They'd met on a training course, Frances had been one of the coordinators, Nikki the representative for the Harbourne store. They had got on like a house on fire from the start. Similar senses of humour, a love of having a good time, and the attitude you should take life for what it is and grab opportunities that present themselves with both hands. Nikki knew that Frances was engaged to someone so she hadn't pursued anything whilst they were on the course, merely lamenting on the fact that all the women she met and liked were either taken or straight. They had swapped numbers because living near each other they thought a catch up drink now and again might be fun. Frances being an area manager in the same business as Nikki hadn't even been as issue, on their many nights out work had hardly been mentioned. Nikki had even been round to Frances' house and met her fiancé, David his name was. A nice bloke, just a bit dull, she just couldn't fathom why Frances was with him when she was so beautiful and exciting but she accepted that was how it was. On one of their nights out they had ended up back at Nikki's flat having a night cap, Frances seemed to be in a strange mood,

"What's the matter mate?" Nikki handed Frances a glass of scotch and sat down next to her on the sofa,

"How are things with you and Cass?" Nikki was momentarily flummoxed by the change in subject, she shrugged,

"I finished, no sorry we finished it this week."

"Really?" Frances expression lightened briefly, "why? I thought you really liked her."

"I do, she's great. Very funny and pretty but she's a bit younger than me and I just couldn't see a future in it. Plus I work with her and I think it's a bit unprofessional."

"So having a relationship with someone you work with is not a possibility?"

"I wouldn't rule it out completely it's just I'd hate for a situation to develop that might make work awkward." Frances nodded and looked into her glass, "what is it Fran?" Nikki placed her hand on Frances' knee.

"I think I'm going to leave David, I don't want to marry him anymore."

"Oh my god what's happened?"

"There's someone else."

"The bastard! Who, his secretary, something clichéd like that?"

"No, it's me, I've met someone else." Nikki was speechless, over the months her and Frances had grown really close. She thought she would have known about him, she pushed her hurt feelings to one side.

"Who is he?"

"Nikki you honestly don't know?"

"How would I? You haven't told me anything about this."

"Nikki, you idiot, it's you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. I didn't say anything because I thought you and Cass were getting on well. Bloody hell I've been so jealous, that's when it hit me. Things with Dave have been crap for a while I just couldn't put my finger on why. Then I realised. The first person I thought about in the morning, the last person I thought about at night was you. I can't wait for our nights out because I get you all to myself, I've even fantasised about you." That night had been the start of the affair, Frances had left David but not straight away. She'd felt guilty and had not wanted to hurt him, this meant that Nikki had ended up conducting a secret affair with the area manager for about three months. The problem was now when it all should be out in the open it wasn't. Frances was still not completely comfortable about having a relationship with a woman. Only certain friends and selected family members knew. Behind closed doors and on holiday they were the perfect couple, Frances was attentive and a wonderful girlfriend, in public it was a different matter. Also work was an issue, Frances was as ambitious as Nikki, if not more so. She was planning to apply for the position of regional manager in a couple of months and she felt that her relationship with Nikki might not go down well. Part of Nikki was hurt by this and wanted to tell Frances that it wasn't worth the hassle, but the fact was she couldn't resist her. The moment she'd seen her on the stage at the course she'd been hooked, it was enough having Frances all to herself at home for now.

"Penny for them." Nikki mentally shook herself and realised that she had been staring out of the window,

"Sorry."

"Thinking about anything nice?" Frances wrapped her arms around Nikki's waist and rested her head on her shoulder, "someone nice maybe?"

"I was just thinking about how happy you make me." Nikki turned around so that they were facing each other, "you do you know."

"I know and you make me happy."

"Do I?"

"Of course you do."

"But when you come into the store next week we'll have to pretend that we barely know each other won't we?" Frances took her arms away and walked towards the kitchen door,

"Nikki, bloody hell! We spent most of our holiday talking about this I thought we came to an understanding."

"So did I, but it's different when we are at home. I love you and I want to tell people, you're embarrassed."

"I'm not. I'm thinking about us, about our careers. We're both going somewhere Nikki. A few months and I could be regional manager, you could be running a store, I don't want to go over all this again, look I'm going for a bath, do you want to join me?"

"No you go ahead I'm going to have another glass of wine down here and read for a bit."

"You and your bloody books, alright I'll see you in bed." Frances headed up stairs. Nikki rubbed her temples, this argument would never go away she realised that. She also realised that nothing would change, she sighed and poured herself another glass of wine. In the lounge she curled up on one of the large arm chairs and picked up her book. She'd started reading it on holiday, in fact she'd become so engrossed in it during the final days of the holiday that Frances had got very annoyed with her, particularly when they should have been packing and Nikki kept disappearing onto the balcony to read. The book was called, Pieces by a woman called Stela Henwert. It had been an impulse buy at Gatwick, Nikki realised that 3 books to read on holiday just wasn't enough and she'd bought a couple more. It was about a young girl growing up in a very strict family in the 19th Century, that description didn't do it justice, but that's what it was about. It was just very well written and Nikki identified readily with the young girl in the story. She sat reading for over an hour, when she looked up at the clock and saw that it had gone 12 she was shocked. She stood and stretched, work in the morning. In their large bed Frances was fast asleep, the lamp on her side was still on indicating that she probably had sat up and waited for Nikki before falling asleep. Nikki felt briefly guilty, she shouldn't be so hard on her, she kissed Frances gently on the forehead before going into the bathroom.

CHAPTER THREE

Helen opened one eye and groaned as her alarm clock screamed, 7.30am!

"I hate mornings!"

"Morning sleeping beauty!" Duncan bounded into the room carrying a plate with toast on in one hand a cup of steaming tea in the other.

"Why the hell are you up?"

"God you are so crabby in the mornings. Her majesty was wailing at 5am this morning, think she's teething. Didn't you hear her?"

"No, I'm sorry."

"Don't be silly, new job today you needed your sleep." Duncan grabbed one of the pieces of toast off the plate, "come on, let's get moving eh?" Helen groaned and pulled the duvet back over her head,

"No I don't want to, stupid idea anyway. I don't need to work."

"So, you know that, I know that but this is what you've decided. Anyway it will be good for us. I've got to get used to being on my own sometime Hel." Helen popped her head out from under the duvet,

"You're not on your own."

"I know but you know what I mean. Can't have my baby sister running after me forever can I? Now really come on!" Duncan wandered out leaving Helen to get ready. It was still so painful. Every time she looked at Duncan she wanted to cry, her beloved older brother. Life was so cruel. Helen dragged herself out of bed and looked in the mirror,

"Yuk." She went into the bathroom and switched on the shower, absentmindedly putting her hand under the water waiting for it to warm up. Nothing worse in the morning than getting into a cold shower masquerading as a warm one, the shower began warming up and steam began to spiral towards the ceiling. She pushed the door closed and stripped off, stepping into the shower. She smiled as she heard Livvy wailing, even over the sound of pounding water! That girl had definitely inherited the Stewart lungs, she was a madam in the mornings! If she had inherited her father's family's lungs then she had her mother's eyes, Helen knew that Duncan found it painful every day. Looking into his daughter's eyes and seeing the love of his life reflected in them. Helen rinsed her hair and began to massage the conditioner in, her tears fell freely mixing with the water from the shower. She didn't have to be strong in here, Duncan couldn't see her, the crashing of the water might not have covered Livvy's wailing but it more than covered Helen's sobs.

Cerys had been beautiful, a young woman full of life and spirit. They had met at University in Birmingham, Cerys was from Cardiff and Duncan from Stirling. A Celtic union they had all joked. No one had really thought their relationship would work, the distance was ridiculous how would it work? But work it did, there were a few rocky years after graduation when they were both based in different cities but once they had settled in their own home, a cute little house in a village near Solihull they were blissfully happy. Helen had graduated herself and moved to Birmingham to be near her brother and his wife. She had adored Cerys, they were like best friends, they would shop together, go to the gym together, go to the cinema to see the romantic comedies that Duncan would refuse to go to. When Olivia had been born the picture was complete, they'd moved to a bigger house, Cerys had been happy on maternity leave from her job as a PR executive, Duncan had got a promotion and had been made chief designer at a top advertisement agency in Birmingham their life had been as close to perfect as is possible.

Helen stepped out of the shower and looked in the mirror, her face was red but it could have been from the warm water, Duncan would never know. She wrapped herself in a large bath towel and padded into her bedroom,

"How are you doing up there Hel?"

"Fine, stop fussing you big girl!" Helen smiled despite the traumatic events of the last year her relationship with her brother had stayed constant. It had been a source of comfort to them both. Duncan as he mourned the death of his young wife and Helen as she had mourned the loss of one of her closest friends.

The details of that awful day were still scorched into Helen's mind, Cerys had been insistent about going on her own in the car to the supermarket. "I'll be fine." She'd said, she'd wanted to go on her own it made a change to get out of the house without the baby. She'd left Helen, Duncan, and numerous other people at the barbecue being held at their house and headed off happily on her own in the car, Pink blaring out from the stereo in the car. They'd all wondered where she was, why was it taking so long, but Duncan and Helen hadn't worried they knew what Cerys was like. She was probably chatting, or simply browsing the shelves at the supermarket enjoying some valuable 'alone time'. Of course that all changed when a panda car pulled up in front of the house and two police constables had walked slowly up the path towards the door.

Helen patiently blow dried her hair, making sure it was straight. She turned her head towards the window and was pleased to see her hair still had the shine she had always been proud of. She tried to push the unhappy memories out of her mind but it was so hard. Once she had started thinking of that day it was almost as if a tape had started in her head, one that she couldn't stop. It would run until she had watched all the events yet again.

The two police men had been very pleasant. Not her fault they had said, drink driver they thought, she wouldn't have known anything about it. Duncan had sat uncomprehending and silent as they gave him the news, Helen had not been so quiet, she had collapsed distraught and sobbing into the arms of their father. She'd felt guilty for a while, after acting in what she thought was a selfish way. Now however after supporting Duncan through his months of grief she realised that even though he had been calm and silent when he'd found out inside he had simply fallen apart. She had moved in with him to help him look after his young daughter, her niece. It had been so painful to watch him fumble about as a lone parent, but she'd been determined to do it and to remain strong and most importantly to not fall apart in front of him again. Helen put the final touches to the light makeup she had decided to wear, and straightened the name badge on her chest. She walked downstairs into the kitchen,

"Ok I'm ready, how do I look?" Helen jokingly did a twirl in the middle of the room,

"Dadada." Olivia chanted from her high chair,

"Have you been bribing her again?" Duncan got up from where he was sitting and grinned,

"Only with baby porridge, and look I've got most of it down me. She just smiles at me and spits it out! You look very nice Hel, I won't lie it's not the most glamorous outfit you have ever worn but you carry it off very well!"

"Flatterer. Shall I drive, or do you both fancy a trip out this morning to drop Auntie Helen off at work?"

"We'll drop you off, I need to do some shopping anyway. I'll just go and give this one a quick wash and change her out of her pyjamas. Wont be long." Duncan picked Livvy up and kissed her on her cheek, "come on tiger let's get you cleaned up."

CHAPTER FOUR

"Well I 'aint in the mood!"

"Come on Shell, you're always in the mood," Jim wheedled, his hands wandering all over Shell.

"You told me I'd be off them tills by now, Customer Service you said, maybe even supervisor."

"Well Shell, what can I do? You wind Wade up on that Front End and you're finished. Not one of her golden girls are you?"

"I aint her type, anyway you're the boss. You've just taken someone new on for the desk, why didn't you just promote me?"

"Softly, softly Shell."

"Softly, softly my arse, you 'aint got the clout you reckon." Shell hopped down from Jim's desk and made her way to the door, "besides it's a bit early for me." Jim watched Shell's shapely behind leave and groaned with frustration. She'd been a welcome distraction at first but she was beginning to make demands. Of course he'd promised her all sorts in order to get her to sleep with him but he never intended to make good on any of the promises. She wasn't far wrong with her comment about clout, he might have been store manager in name but in reality he had little idea or grasp of what was going on in his own store. Mark Waddle was the one with all the answers, the one who could solve any problems. Nikki ran the front end like a well oiled machine and Jim knew she was just as adept at general store management too. Her pal Yvonne was miss bloody popular and an extremely efficient manager and what Karen Betts didn't know about the stock in the store wasn't worth knowing. Jim slumped in his chair and played his favourite game, following attractive women around the store on the cctv cameras. He was going to have to think of something quick. Frances Myers was no fool. He'd met her twice before and they had taken an instant dislike to each other. She was immune to his flattery and was very efficient and professional. She'd know straight away that Jim was not pulling his weight and wouldn't hesitate to recommend he be relieved of his position, no, he'd have to think of something.

Nikki glanced at the clock on the wall and then at her own wrist watch, 8.45am. She was waiting for Helen Stewart to arrive. She didn't want to start feeling prejudiced towards her new member of staff but the fact that Jim had taken her on and the last person he had taken on was Shell meant that Nikki felt the need to prepare for the worst. Shell arrived at that moment on the front end,

"Shell, a word."

"Yeah?"

"Number one your shift started at 8.30, number two you're chewing, get rid."

"I was talking to Mr Fenner."

"I don't give a toss, you could have been talking to the queen for all I care. Consider this a verbal warning, express till 2 please."

"I hate the express."

"And I hate staff who try and take advantage but it can't be hearts and roses all the time can it." Shell sloped off towards the till, as Selena approached the customer service desk, a pile of paperwork under her arm.

"Scanning errors Nik, you alright? You were hard on Shell, well more so than usual anyway." Nikki relieved Selena of the huge pile of paper and cast her eye over it all rapidly.

"I know, it's just I hate Saturdays and I'm getting used to being back at work."

"Mmm, and Jim's new customer service girl starts today." Selena looked at Nikki and raised an eyebrow. Nikki smiled, Selena knew her far too well,

"Yes, that too. Now training…"

"Can't do it."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't train Helen Stewart, I've got a meeting with Yvonne."

"Since when?"

"Since sometime last month when I told you and wrote it in the diary." Selena used one of her long, manicured fingers to flick the diary open. Sure enough pencilled in for that morning was Selena's meeting with Yvonne. "Guess you'll have to train her mate."

"I've got rotas to catch up on."

"You're the only option. Monica's in at 9.30 but that's a bit late to start training, plus really she's not qualified to do it."

"Bloody hell."

"Must be her now." Selena nodded towards the back of the store. Jim Fenner was making his way down aisle 3 alongside someone new. The woman at his side, seemingly listening to everything he was saying was quite petite, Nikki noticed she had very glossy hair. It pleased her to see that she didn't seem to be a stereotypical blonde bimbo, but she remained on her guard. They eventually reached the desk.

"Nikki, good morning!" Nikki forced her mouth into something that could have passed as a smile. It was truly sickening to view Jim switch the charm on and off.

"Morning Jim."

"Helen this is Nikki Wade, our front end manager and your supervisor, this is Selena Geeson one of our front end supervisors."

"Pleased to meet you both." Helen smiled warmly and shook hands with both Nikki and Selena. Helen had a very soft Scottish accent, Nikki approved, accents always went down well with the public. She was well turned out and her green eyes betrayed a certain spark and intelligence. Maybe Jim hadn't got it completely wrong this time.

"Well I'll leave you ladies to get acquainted. Any problems Helen love, you come to me. My office is always open. Nikki I take it training procedures are in place for Helen."

"Of course."

"Good, well I'd better be doing my rounds." Of golf, Nikki thought to herself.

Helen hated first days in a new job. You never knew who you should steer clear of, who was safe to befriend. If you weren't careful you could end up having lunch with the resident nutter. She'd known as soon as she'd walked into his office that Jim Fenner was not the person to be friendly with, store manager or not. He was so sleazy, all those oily smiles and knowing winks. She also hated men who used the term love in the way he did, it made her skin crawl. No way would she be going to him for anything. Her thoughts turned to the two women in front of her. The red head, Selena, seemed very friendly. She kept making eye contact with Helen and smiling knowingly as though to say I know how you feel. The other woman, the manager, she was a whole different story. There was something rather enigmatic about her. Even though she was wearing the same uniform as everyone else she carried it off infinitely better than the others around her. She was tall and slender, her skin was golden brown, from a recent holiday Helen thought. Nikki turned to look at Helen, her eyes were the darkest brown Helen had ever seen, they were almost black. Hidden depths this one, thought Helen.

"Right Helen, you're ok if I call you that aren't you?"

"Fine, that's what it says on my name badge."

"As I didn't interview you and your details seem a bit sketchy I'll just ask you a few questions as we go, ok." Helen was about to answer before realising that Nikki's ok had not been a question simply an efficient way to finish a sentence. "Any customer service experience?"

"Some, I've worked in supermarkets before, quite a few years ago though."

"Ok, that's a start, any recent work experience with the public?"

"No." Helen felt answers which were straight to the point were the way forward with Nikki.

"Ok, I'll be taking you through your training this morning as Selena has a meeting. Follow me and we'll get started on your till training." Nikki walked rapidly along the line of tills, to the end where there was a free one. Helen noticed how all the cashiers smiled genuinely as Nikki passed by. She seemed to be very popular, clearly when you got to know her she thawed out. "Any till experience?" Helen nodded,

"Some, a few years ago though."

"Don't worry just like riding a bike." Nikki smiled, showing a line of perfect white teeth, "let's see how you get on." Nikki placed a sign on the end of the till which said 'Cashier in Training' Helen felt rather silly, like a 16 year old starting their first job. "I know you probably feel like a bit of an idiot with that sign up but it's policy I'm afraid." Once again Nikki smiled briefly and then turned her attention to the training manual. Strange Helen thought, she practically read my mind. The next hour passed quickly, there really wasn't much to using the till. Helen found Nikki, though abrupt at times and painfully professional, a patient teacher who was excellent at explaining. For Nikki working with Helen was like a breath of fresh air. She found her extremely pleasant and calm, maybe the combination of green eyes and the accent did it, but Nikki felt very much at ease around her. "Ok Helen, you're clearly a quick learner, I'm going to open your till now and give you some time on the till with real customers, see how you get on."

"And if I get stuck?"

"Well I doubt it but I'll hover." Nikki stepped away and beckoned some customers over. Part of her didn't want to let Helen out of her sight, which was ridiculous, she didn't know why she felt like that. Nikki was renowned for being protective over her staff, but she couldn't work out what it was about this new woman. Part of her had desperately wanted to hate Helen, had wanted her to be terrible at the job just so she could have it out with Jim. She had to admit though, Helen was so far, very good. She had listened to everything Nikki had said and had picked up everything very quickly. Nikki watched from a discrete distance as Helen served customers. She had an easy manner about her and a ready smile, Nikki was sure she would be a hit with the older customers, they always liked staff who were willing to have a bit of a chat.

"So far so good then?" Monica approached,

"Hi Monica, you ok?"

"Good thanks Nikki, not even a peroxide tint I see!"

"No." Nikki chuckled, "she's actually very good, but don't tell anyone I said that just yet!"

"Understood, I'll take over shall I? Finish off her customer service training?" Part of Nikki wanted to say no but she knew that she had plenty of things to be getting on with,

"That would be good Mon thanks, I'll start getting some of these breaks sorted." Nikki left Monica watching Helen and went over to the supervisors desk where she could look at the break planner and sort out the breaks. As Nikki quickly organised the breaks for the morning, her red pen quickly making marks on the page she noticed Monica closing Helen's till down and taking her over to the customer service desk. She looked up and nodded as they passed by, Monica was animatedly chatting to Helen, no doubt filling her in on the do and don'ts of working at the Harbourne store. What Monica didn't know about the store wasn't worth knowing, she had been there since the store had opened, Nikki was very grateful she was part of her team.

"Alright Nikki?" Nikki looked up,

"Hi Denny, that time already is it? Can you take Shell off for her half hour please."

"No problem mate." Nikki shook her head, Denny was a good kid, but she worried about her. She was easily led.

"So that's refunds and replacements in a nutshell."

"Gosh Monica I don't think I'll remember all of this, there is so much to do."

"Oh don't you worry Helen dear, after a few shifts it will be like second nature to you, anyway there's always someone here to help should you get stuck. Let's move on to the phone, it's pretty standard but you should make sure you know all about it, don't want to transfer the wrong lines to the wrong people do you!" Helen shook her head and tried to concentrate on what Monica was saying, she couldn't help glancing up now and again to see where Nikki was. She seemed engrossed in the work she was doing, pausing briefly to speak to staff and answer the mobile phone which was constantly ringing. Helen was keen to impress her. Nikki seemed like a challenge to Helen, and Helen loved challenges. Appreciation and respect always meant more when it was gained with a struggle. She could see that you had to work hard to gain Nikki's approval.

"How long have you worked here Monica?"

"Oh too long! Let me think, it's about 10 years now, since the store opened."

"And Nikki?"

"Nikki's been here for 3 years now, she probably won't be here for much longer."

"Oh?"

"Well she's very good at her job, as you can probably see. I think she'll be looking for promotion soon. She's a very good boss to have I for one will miss her when she goes."

"She seems a bit scary!"

"Nikki? All bark really, it's best not to get on the wrong side of her but she's very fair, and she'll back her staff up to the hilt. Whatever decision you make on this desk you can be sure that Nikki will back you up, she'll never undermine you."

"Well that's good to know."

"How's it going?" Selena arrived fresh from her meeting with Yvonne, she smiled broadly at Helen, "you haven't run off yet then?"

"No not yet!"

"Well you can't ask for a better person than Monica to train you, she trained me!" Helen was rapidly warming to these people, it was a long time since she'd been in a traditional work environment, but she thought she might actually enjoy it here. She was enjoying chatting to Selena and Monica when Nikki coughed politely behind them,

"I am sorry to break this delightful coffee morning scenario up but have you noticed the queues?" The three women looked up, Selena's cheeks suddenly matched her hair,

"God Nikki sorry, I'll jump on a till shall I?"

"I think that's a good idea, Monica can you jump on too please, Helen you stay here on the desk with me. You need to practise being on here when it gets busy." The two women scuttled off and rapidly opened two tills,

"Probably my fault, they were getting all the info on the new girl." Helen smiled apologetically,

"Lots to find out is there?" Nikki smirked, "dark secrets Miss Stewart? Sorry is it Mrs?" They were interrupted by a customer who wanted to complain about the price of the supermarket's own brand tuna, and then the phone rang. Helen took to working on the customer service desk like a duck to water. She could do many things at the same time, which was essential. Her calm manner worked well on the desk where often irate customers took out their frustrations on whoever was there. She had the ability to diffuse situations before they became difficult. All in all Nikki couldn't really fault her. The flood of customers suddenly disappeared and calm once again descended.

"That was crazy!" Helen seemed completely bemused by it, Nikki laughed,

"Saturday for you, and Sunday, both days are completely mad! One minute the place is empty the next it's like that, you get used to it. Look I'm due a break now and so are you. I can leave Selena and Monica down here and show you the delights of the canteen, give you a chance to ask me any questions you want to as well. Sound ok?" This time the ok actually was a question Helen realised,

"Yes, that would be good." Selena had closed her till and Nikki handed her a bunch of keys,

"I'm off for a break and I'll take Helen with me. I'll take the mobile, if it gets crazy again call me."

"I'm sure we'll be fine." Helen followed Nikki as she walked rapidly through the store, her long legs making easy work of the lengthy aisles.

"Smoker?"

"Oh, no."

"Right." Nikki walked into the staff canteen with Helen following close behind,

"Alright Nik!" Two women chorused as she walked up to the servery,

"Hi Julies, how are you both?"

"Good, well, not bad eh Jue?"

"Not bad."

"Have you met Helen?"

"No don't think we have, have we Jue?"

"No Jue, haven't met Helen yet."

"Helen Stewart, Julie J." Nikki motioned towards the taller of the two, "and Julie S," the smaller woman grinned broadly,

"Right Helen love, what can we get for you then?" Nikki grinned and leant towards Helen whispering conspiratorially,

"Don't let them bully you, I'm just going for a quick fag. Grab yourself something to eat and I'll come and join you." Helen was spoilt for choice, for a staff canteen at a supermarket it was very well stocked. She settled for a bacon sandwich on brown bread and a cup of strong tea, finding herself an empty table Helen settled herself down. It had been an interesting day. The job itself seemed good, lots to remember but it would definitely keep her busy. The other people on the customer service desk seemed nice. Even Nikki, she was very stand-offish but Helen could see she was very amiable when you got to know her. Helen surreptitiously watched Nikki over her mug of tea. She was in a small area, which was clearly the smokers area. She seemed so laid back, the way she stood leaning against the wall, looking completely chilled out. Helen suspected however, that Nikki's mind was probably always sharp and on the ball. Nikki finished the last of her cigarette and noting where Helen was sitting came over to join her,

"Bloody hell, you could stand your spoon up in that tea!"

"I know I'd rather have tea black than have too much milk! You not eating?"

"Yeah the Julies know me very well, they'll bring mine over in a minute."

"They seem nice."

"They are, very genuine and you'll never go hungry in this place. So how are you feeling so far?"

"Fine."

"Elaborate Helen, you're clearly extremely eloquent and communicative please share what you think."

"Ok. Job seems good, I think it will take me a few weeks to get my head around everything but I'm not worried. The front end staff seem very nice, particularly Monica. I think I'll be fine, though, I'm not sure about Mr Fenner."

"Here you go Nik, usual."

"Cheers Julie." Julie had set down in front of Nikki a large plate, on the plate was a full english breakfast. Nikki hungrily set about devouring it,

"go on," she said between mouthfuls, "you were saying about Mr Fenner."

"It's just, he makes me feel slightly uncomfortable."

"Listen Helen, Fenner should have left years ago, he's a store manager from the arc. There are plenty of others in the staff who know what they are doing and who are far more approachable. If I were you I'd avoid Jim Fenner like the plague." Nikki paused to take a gulp of milky tea, she picked her fork back up and continued, "now usually I would say talking about another member of staff, infact a superior member of staff was unprofessional but for him I'll make an exception, besides…" Nikki picked up her mug and swallowed the rest of her now luke warm tea, "I trust you." Helen was flattered by Nikki's comment, something told her that Nikki was careful with her compliments.

"Helen isn't it?" Yvonne smiled broadly,

"Oh Yvonne I didn't see you sneak up."

"Well you wouldn't Nik would you? Face full of fried egg probably! If you don't mind I need to borrow Helen, just some paperwork to fill in. That alright? Promise I'll return her to the front end when we're finished!" Still ploughing through the mountain of bacon on her plate Nikki merely nodded and waved her fork in the direction of the door. "I'll take that as a yes, follow me Helen." Helen smiled weakly towards Nikki who seemed have to forgotten her existence entirely and followed Yvonne, who mumbled to herself, "beats me how she stays so thin eating that crap everyday." Nikki munched thoughtfully and watched Yvonne lead Helen away. She was disappointed, she'd got lots of questions she wanted to ask Helen Stewart, but they could wait.

CHAPTER FIVE

2pm arrived without further incident Helen had enjoyed her first shift far more than she had expected she would, she already felt part of the team,

"Time for you to leave us Helen." Selena smiled at her warmly, "you've done really well, picked it up a lot quicker than me!"

"Thanks but I'm sure you're just being kind!"

"What? Oh no, ask anyone, I still can't use the phone properly I always connect people to the wrong line! Why don't you go and swipe out."

"Should I let Nikki know?"

"No, you're alright I'll let her know. She's in a foul mood anyway." Helen nodded and made her way through the store to swipe out. She looked back down an aisle, past the tills to where Nikki was stood behind the supervisor desk. She was deep in conversation with a blonde haired lady who Helen suspected was Karen Betts. Nikki was gesticulating wildly with her hands, Karen had obviously told her something she didn't want to know. Helen smiled to herself, it was good to work for someone who was passionate about their work. She sighed heavily, as passionate as she used to be.

"Harbourne Supersavers store, Selena speaking, how can I help?" Selena twirled a piece of hair around her finger as she listened to the woman on the other end of the phone. She did care about her job and she believed in good customer service, but when someone rings to complain your prices are too high when compared to the local Tesco all you can do is listen and make sympathetic noises. The woman had moved onto dairy products, Selena turned round so that she could watch the comings and goings through the automatic doors. She was roused from her semi-comatose state by an attractive, tall man walking into the store. He was broad like a rugby player, and his hair was a sandy colour. He was holding a baby, what is it about men with babies thought Selena, damn sexy. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans which had clearly seen better days, and a bright white polo shirt open at the neck, he walked over towards the desk.

"I'm terribly sorry you feel so aggrieved madam, I'll pass your concerns on the management. Have a good day now, bye bye. Can I help sir?" Selena flashed her winning smile in the stranger's direction,

"Mmm maybe, er, Helen Stewart is she around?" An accent! Selena was struggling not to swoon,

"Scottish?"

"Yes, Stirling, has Helen finished?"

"She has, how are you two connected?"

"I'm her….."

"Duncan!" Helen rushed up and was enveloped in a hug by the attractive man, "and how are you sweetheart?" Helen plucked the little girl out of Duncan's arms and kissed her, "have you been good for daddy?"

"No, she's been a right little madam!"

"Duncan! Right let's go, bye Selena, thanks for today. See you on Monday?"

"I'll be here, nice to have met you Duncan."

"And you Selena." Duncan smiled, he had a lovely smile, it reached right up to his eyes and was obviously genuine. Helen and Duncan left, leaving Selena at the customer service desk.

"Well aren't they a lovely family unit."

"Nikki!"

"What?"

"A bit harsh don't you think?"

"At least I'm not swooning over someone else's husband."

"Might not have been her husband."

"Oh please, they couldn't have looked more 2.4."

"What's the matter with you, not that bitter and twisted doesn't suit you." Nikki glowered but didn't get a chance to respond as Karen Betts approached,

"Here you go Nikki, the paperwork you needed."

"Fine."

"Look I'm sorry but I can only put orders through when I get the instruction." Selena looked up,

"What's this?"

"Apparently when I was on holiday, paperwork wasn't filled in meaning orders for carrier bags weren't logged. No carrier bags have been delivered, what's out is what we've got."

"But I filled in the orders." Selena looked towards Karen,

"Selena I know you probably did, you lot down here on the front end are more organised than most, just look at Kristen Yates and her monkeys on produce. Like I said to Nikki, I'm not portioning blame here I'm letting you know what's going on. Between you filling in the forms and them getting to me something happened to them."

"I know what happened." Nikki grabbed the phone and began to punch buttons, "staff announcement Jim Fenner contact line 206 please." She slammed the phone down, "he's done this to make me and this department look stupid." Selena looked towards Nikki worriedly, she was probably right about Fenner but losing her temper with the store manager was not going to help matters. She exchanged a look with Karen and shrugged slightly, as though to say, 'what am I meant to do when she's like this'. The phone issued a lengthy ring indicating an internal call, Nikki grabbed the phone,

"Front end. Fenner what did you do with the carrier orders last week? Selena did them, well frankly I'm more inclined to believe her than you. I know it's my department but this actually isn't my problem because you caused it. Fine, I'll deal with it."

"I take it he admitted to nothing?" Karen tapped her pen on the pile of papers she had just deposited the only outward sign that she too was incredibly pissed off. Nikki shook her head and chewed thoughtfully on her bottom lip.

"Selena, would you please go along to each cashier and tell them what the situation is. Get the porter packers to help you take all the bags off the ends of the tills, the cashiers are to give the bags out to the customers." Selena dashed off to let the cashiers know what was going on.

"I've put an emergency order in. If we're lucky we'll have some for Monday."

"You know how busy Sunday is Karen I can't leave Cassie and Dominic with that to deal with."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll ring around. I know most of the local Front End managers I'm sure I can get hold of a few boxes, enough to see us through anyway. I'll have to drive around and get them but that's all I can think of."

"Ok try all the people you know. If you have to leave early I'll sort it out."

"Cheers Karen." Nikki turned towards the phone flicking through the speed dial list at the side, sometimes she did wonder if it was all worth it.

In his office at the back of the store Jim chuckled to himself. He watched the cctv camera trained on the front end. He could see Selena, Karen and Nikki all in conversation, no doubt about him. He had to admit losing the carrier order had been somewhat juvenile, but oh how amusing! Always a pleasure to see the usually unflappable Nikki Wade get into a spin. It would take more than a few messed up orders to rescue his career at Harbourne though if Frances Myers snooped around too much. The door to his office suddenly flung open, Jim winced as the door handle hit the wall deepening the dent already there.

"Are you proud of yourself Jim?"

"Karen, how are you?"

"Cut the crap Jim, you might be a monumental failure at your job, but there's no way you're going to drag the rest of us down with you."

"I wish I knew what you were talking about Karen. Perhaps we could go out for a drink after work and discuss it."

"You're unbelievable, you never stop. I have never and will never be interested in you Jim. I'm warning you, back off Nikki or you'll have the rest of us to deal with."

"I wouldn't threaten me Karen if I were you."

"Oh I'm not threatening you Jim, I'm just letting you know what to expect. Frances Myers will see right through you. You know that and I know that." Karen smiled triumphantly and without waiting for a response left the office,

"Shit!" Jim swore quietly under his breath. All of them were in it together, their little group. Jim briefly felt like the child who had not been asked to play. He knew full well he was on the outside looking in, in his own bloody store! Sod it!

"I'm the bloody manager it's my store." Jim didn't care that he was talking to himself. He glanced at the cctv cameras, Shell it seemed was on her way up the store. She must have been given a break, she'd have to walk past his office. Jim got up and stood by the door, Shell appeared at the top of one of the aisles. She neatly side-stepped a customer who was clearly looking for assistance and entered the staff only area.

"Shell, a delight as ever, a word please."

"I don't think you have anything to say Mr Fenner that I would want to listen to."

"Oh I think I do Shell, believe me." Jim winked, "trust me love, you want to come in." Shell smirked and edged her way past Jim into the office ensuring as much of her body came into contact with his as possible. Jim shuddered, women like Shell shouldn't be allowed. How on earth was he meant to stay faithful. It was his duty really, he licked his lips in anticipation and closed the door firmly behind him.

"Coffee Karen? Karen?" Karen suddenly realised that someone was talking to her, "do you mind if I sit?"

"No of course not, I'm sorry Mark I was miles away."

"Anywhere nice?"

"Anywhere but here would be nice at the moment. How do you think the inspection will go?"

"I'm not worried, you shouldn't be either. The store's doing well, our turnover this quarter is more than at the same time last year."

"I know, it's just…"

"Jim."

"Yes Jim. He's a bloody tosser Mark, he could drag the lot of us down with him."

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Frances Myers seems to know what she's doing, I'm sure she will put any faults down to the individual not the whole team. Look let's not worry about that now I should have finished an hour ago and I think you've finished now haven't you?"

"I have but I'm going to hang around a bit and make sure that Nikki's ok on the front end."

"Ok well if you are ready to go in about an hour do you fancy going for a drink? Day off tomorrow, I'm buying."

"If I'm ready that would be nice Mark thanks."

"Good, I'd better finish of my emails. Don't worry Karen we'll get through fine." Mark smiled and squeezed her shoulder as he left the canteen, Karen sipped the coffee Mark had placed in front of her. She stood up slowly and walked to the smokers area, once she had a lit cigarette in her hand Karen felt much calmer. Mark was so nice to her, to everyone, but he was an example of how the good guys often finish last. Someone as talented as Mark should have been store manager if not area manager, yet Mark had been overlooked countless times. He was only assistant manager because Karen had turned it down, he didn't know that and Karen hoped he never would. Karen enjoyed being amongst the staff and being on the shop floor with the customers. Being the manager or assistant often meant hours in meetings, and mountains of paperwork. There was no harm going for a drink with Mark, he was such a gentleman. Karen knew he liked her but with her divorce only just finalised she just didn't feel ready for anything else. It was nice though, having an attractive man like Mark looking out for her. The attention was flattering and the gentle flirting that often sprung up between them was a welcome distraction within a work environment that could sometimes be oppressive. She finished her cigarette and then left the canteen she decided to make sure Nikki was ok on the front end before she left. She'd be damned if she was going to let Jim get the better of any of them.

CHAPTER SIX

Helen stretched her legs out the length of the sofa,

"Tea." Duncan handed her a mug of strong steaming hot tea and sat opposite her on one of the large armchairs.

"Has she settled down?" Duncan passed a hand over his weary eyes,

"I think so, tired?"

"Mmm, I'm not sure why, it wasn't very tough."

"First day back in a normal job I suppose, so are you going to stick it out for a while?" Helen sipped her tea,

"I think so, I did quite like it today."

"You have got another option you know."

"Duncan please don't bring it up again."

"Hel…."

"No! Don't. I don't want to talk about it, I'm going for a bath." Helen picked up her mug and went upstairs to begin running her bath. Duncan got up and sauntered into the conservatory, Helen's laptop sat on the small pine table, untouched, in exactly the same place it had been for the past two months. He didn't think Helen had even opened it. He traced his fingers over its sleek black top, they left thin trails in the thin layer of dust that had settled on the top. The sun outside was very low in the sky and Duncan squinted as streams of light shone through the conservatory glass and hit him in the eyes. He sat down on one of the stylish wicker chairs he had bought with Cerys, he hadn't been particularly keen on them but she had loved them. He leant his head back and closed his eyes. If he concentrated hard enough he could imagine her sitting next to him, he could even imagine what her advice would be, "D", she'd say, "leave Helen alone she'll come round in her own time, don't pressure her." Duncan didn't want to pressure Helen, she'd got enough to deal with, letters and calls from editors, publishers and her agent. That was without the huge amount of pressure she put on herself. Deadlines had come and gone, deals had been offered and rejected. Helen hadn't written a word since Cerys had died, not one word. Part of him felt guilty, he knew that Cerys' death had hit Helen very hard but because of his own all-consuming grief he hadn't been able to support his sister in the way she had him. He was going to try though as hard as he could to encourage Helen to write again. She had a talent, a true gift that needed to be shared. Duncan opened his eyes, half expecting Cerys to be sitting next to him, of course she wasn't but part of him always hoped. The baby monitor sprung into life and Duncan heaved himself up off the chair, having children had always been a dream of his, being a single parent had not been.

Helen lifted her head out of the water. She usually felt soothed by water, submerging herself in a warm sweet smelling bath often calmed her, but not today. While Duncan had been attempting to put a very stubborn Livvy down for a nap Helen had gone into the conservatory. She had stared at her laptop, unable to even open it. It was an inanimate object yet Helen felt as if it was mocking her. Since Cerys had died Helen hadn't written or typed anything. She seemed to have simply lost the spark, in-fact she wasn't even sure that she could form a sentence anymore. Pieces had been her first novel, her only novel. After University Helen had gone into editing, she had always had a passion for reading, writing and literature. Her degree in English had equipped her with the necessary skills and experience to do something with her interests. The English language and the written word fascinated Helen. She loved what you could do with words and punctuation, you could conjure up any feeling or emotion you wanted to. By placing a comma in different parts of a sentence you could give your words a whole different tone, it really was amazing. She had been very good at her job. She edited quickly and deftly and her work was regarded very highly, something had troubled her though. Her company had been responsible for the work of a lot of young female authors, female fiction was a booming market. Helen dutifully edited everything that came her way, but at the back of her mind had been a niggle that perhaps she could do just as well as many of the new authors if not better. It was not the desire for fame and fortune, as far as Helen was concerned it was simply a surprised acknowledgement that she possessed the skills to hold her own in the field. She had begun writing her novel at weekends and in the evenings, she had spent many hours researching the historical aspects in the local library. Her book combined the basic ideas of many of the colourful female orientated books gracing the shelves in Waterstones and WH Smiths but Helen had given it a twist by placing her heroine in the 19th Century. Once Helen had started the words had poured out of her. Never once had she become stuck not knowing where her story was going. When it was completed it didn't take long for Helen to find someone willing to publish it, being an editor Helen had many useful contacts. To her amazement and joy the book had flown off the shelves, a reprint was hastily ordered and royalty checks suddenly began dropping on Helen's doorstep. Women's magazines began requesting interviews, which Helen gracefully declined. There was no point writing under a pen name if you then reveal yourself to the public. She valued her privacy and anonymity, enjoying walking into a bookshop and watching a stranger buy her book safe in the knowledge they had no idea who she was. She soon resigned from her editing job to concentrate on her writing, she had so many ideas to pursue she never considered that her ability to write would desert her. When Cerys died Helen simply couldn't bring herself to write anything. At first she hadn't had the time, between moving in with Duncan and taking care of Livvy there had been no space in her life for anything else. When Helen had finally found the time to sit down and write however, nothing had happened. Her mind was like a new Word document, completely blank. It was a worry, she had given her career in editing up for writing and now her skills had seemingly disappeared. She still had a large amount of money saved, but the royalty cheques were drying up and were now for a lot less than they had been. Pieces was dipping out of the best seller's chart and people wanted to know when her next novel would be out. Helen had taken the job at Supersavers because she needed to get out of the house, Duncan needed to get used to being on his own and she was also fed up of feeling like a caged animal. She didn't need the money or the job, but she needed something that would take her mind off everything and Supersavers was the job that had come up. Part of her thought that if she got back into some kind of working environment the ideas and the ability to write would return. She couldn't have gone back to editing, she would have felt like a failure and being surrounded by books would have been sickening. Helen pulled herself out of the bath, the warm water sluicing off her body. She wrapped herself up in the biggest bath towel she possessed and made her way across the landing towards her own bedroom. She had to pass by Olivia's room and she couldn't resist popping her head around the door to look at her. She was fast asleep, one small fist flung above her head and the other reassuringly close to her mouth, no doubt so that the thumb could be found in an emergency! Life was so cruel, she would never know her mother, and Helen was positive that the older Livvy got the more like Cerys she would look. Helen quietly pulled the door to and went into her own room to change, silent tears made their well worn journey down her cheeks as she rummaged around for something to wear. She almost didn't notice them anymore, absentmindedly wiping them away as she pulled out a navy hooded top to wear with some jeans. She was so used to crying now it was part of her routine, never when Duncan was around though. Helen did wonder sometimes when the tears would stop but for the time-being she accepted them as part and parcel of her daily life.

"What do you fancy? Chinese, Indian, Thai?" Duncan waved a number of garishly coloured menus in-front of Helen's face,

"Take away is it then?"

"Yep unless you want to cook, but personally I think starting a new job you deserve a treat."

"Ok then." Helen laid the menus in front of her and leaning her chin in her hands began to study them intently. Duncan watched her as he busied himself finding wine glasses and a corkscrew. Her face was all blotchy, if he said anything she would say that the water was too hot. He knew full well she'd been crying, and he was perfectly aware that Helen often cried, she tried to hide it from him but he always knew. She was trying to protect him, he understood that but he also understood that because of how close Helen and Cerys had been that she needed to grieve for the loss of her friend. Duncan was not entirely sure that Helen had done that.

As Nikki wearily opened the front door she could hear Frances talking to someone, she was disappointed she had hoped that it would just be the two of them that evening. She was exhausted she had gone to two other Supersavers stores to collect carrier bags and then had taken them back to Harbourne. She was glad she'd done it as she hadn't wanted Cassie and Dominic to have problems on the Sunday, but it had been a pain in the arse! Nikki just wanted a relaxing evening. Unfortunately it sounded like it was Frances' friend Di, or Dippy Di as Nikki often called her. She was one of those people you needed to be in the right mood to be around, either that or have a large packet of Anadin near by. Nikki didn't know how or why Frances put up with her. The up side was that Di was one of the few people who knew about Nikki and Frances so they could be a couple in her company.

"Nik, is that you?"

"Expecting someone else?" Frances popped her head around the lounge door, she'd clearly had a few already,

"Bad day darling?"

"So so. Why is she here?" Nikki whispered harshly, "I wanted to chill out tonight, I wanted you all to myself." Frances smiled seductively and wrapped her arms around Nikki's waist possessively.

"And you will have me, just a bit later." Frances captured Nikki's mouth in a passionate kiss which Nikki was just beginning to enjoy when they were interrupted by a voice from the lounge,

"I hope you two aren't snogging each other's faces off out there!"

"Well now we're not!" Exasperated Nikki kicked her shoes off and threw her jacket onto the banister, "why is she here Fran?"

"Calm down Nik," Fran whispered, "man trouble."

"isn't it always, she's a flippin nymphomaniac."

"Don't be mean, come and have a drink darling."

"I'm just going to grab something to eat first ok?" Nikki walked through the hall to the kitchen and began noisily opening cupboards looking for something edible. It soon became painfully clear that the only thing Nikki was going to get to eat was cheese on toast, so she set about cutting up the cheese and turned the grill onto high. As she waited for the bars to give out their familiar red glow her mind wandered back to the events of the day. It had been stressful but Nikki could pinpoint exactly when her mood had soured beyond retrieval – when Helen Stewart had gone home with her impossibly good looking partner and their impossibly cute baby. Selena was kidding herself surely, the three of them had looked so 'family like' they had to be a family, Nikki didn't know why the sight of them had pissed her off so much but it undoubtedly had. She pushed the grill pan under and waited for the cheese to start bubbling.

Nikki managed to make her escape from dippy Di by running upstairs and locking herself in the bathroom while she had a long luxurious bath. By the time she came out she bore a close resemblance to a walnut. Frances was lying on their bed, leaning on her elbow clearly waiting for her,

"Nice bath?"

"Mmm very nice, packed the raving nutter off home?"

"Nikki!" Frances sat up on the edge of the bed, "she's my friend can't you try and make an effort."

"Ok, ok, don't stress about it. Is he married?"

"Well yes actually."

"I hope you told her to give him the flick, no point getting involved with someone like that."

"You got involved with me." Nikki turned around sharply from rubbing her hair dry to look at Frances. She didn't seem drunk anymore in fact she appeared stone cold sober.

"Why did you just say that?" Frances shrugged,

"Forget it." She hopped off the bed and began to undress.

"No I won't forget it. Why did you say it?"

"Because Nikki sweetheart you are awfully good at passing judgement on others without looking at yourself first. You open your mouth and out come the words. Do you even think about what you say before you say it?"

"Is this because I called Di a nutter?" Frances sighed,

"No Nikki it's because you have a habit of judging us all by very high moral standards which you in fact often fall short of. We all have faults Nik it's human nature. You expect perfection of yourself and others. Have you not realised yet that you'll never get it." Frances by this time had changed into a small black nightie. She went into the bathroom leaving Nikki somewhat taken aback. She quickly dried off and pulled a T shirt and some pyjama bottoms on and jumped into bed. Frances was right she did expect too much sometimes. Perhaps she was expecting too much from their relationship, she should be thankful for what she had, 'go with the flow' more. She heard the light in the bathroom click off and turned over pretending to be asleep. She felt Frances slip into bed beside her,

"You're not asleep Nik are you?"

"Yes."

"I'm just trying to be honest with you." Nikki turned over onto her right side so that she was facing Frances,

"I know, and you're right I do expect a lot sometimes. I'm sorry."

"It's ok." Frances held her arms open and Nikki gratefully enveloped herself in her embrace; it made a change as usually Nikki would wrap Frances up in her arms. Nikki turned back over feeling warm and cared for, Frances slipped her hands under Nikki's T shirt resting her hands on her stomach, she kissed Nikki's neck and Nikki could feel her breathing fall into unison with her own. Neither of them needed anymore than that and Nikki couldn't remember ever feeling more content than she did at that moment.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Department code 85 for that Roisin, ok?"

"Thank you Cassie." Roisin rapidly tapped the appropriate buttons on her till, smiled apologetically at her customer and continued to scan. Cassie made her way back to the supervisor desk and watched her as she worked. It was ridiculous really Roisin was married with children, about 15 years older than her and undoubtedly straight but Cassie couldn't get her out of her head. That lovely Irish accent, her friendly smile and her beautiful eyes….

"Earth to Cassie."

"What? Oh sorry Nikki."

"Jesus Cass, will you stop make moon eyes at Roisin."

"Nikki shhh. What if she hears you."

"Well staring at her is a big enough hint, have you actually had a proper conversation with her yet? She has worked here for over three months now."

"Not really no, I don't really know what to say."

"You not know what to say! I don't believe it! Look I was thinking maybe tonight going for a drink. Good old Sylvia is on the close so we won't have to worry about her expecting an invite. Why don't you ask Roisin?"

"Well she's got children hasn't she, probably won't want to go to the pub with us lot."

"You never know Cass, she's due a break now close her till down and speak to her."

"Why are you pestering me!"

"Because you are doing my head in mooching about, go on." Nikki smiled as Cassie tried to nonchalantly wander over to Roisin's till. At first she had thought that it had been a passing crush but Cassie was getting worse. She couldn't work properly when she was on the same shift as her, and when ever Nikki had gone out for a drink with Cass the conversation always turned to Roisin.

"Ok Roisin, time for your break I'll pop the close sign up for you."

"Thank you very much Cassie." Roisin signed off her till, picked up her pen and locker key and began to walk away towards the back of the store. Cassie looked towards Nikki who dramatically nodded at Roisin, as though to say, 'go on'.

"Roisin."

"Yes."

"I'll walk up with you actually, I need to speak to Yvonne."

"Ok."

"How are you then?" Cassie cringed she was generally proud of ability to chat, her conversation was usually intelligent and even witty at times,

"I'm fine thanks, how are you Cass? Oh sorry do you mind if I call you Cass."

"No I like people calling me that, what time do you finish today?"

"4, aren't you in charge of the breaks and rotas?"

"Well yeah but you know I forget things. How are your children? You have two don't you?"

"I do Michael and Niamh, they are just grand."

"And your husband?"

"Oh Aiden, well he's ok."

"Look tonight a few of us were thinking about going for a drink, me, Nik, Selena, Monica."

"All the important people!"

"Important no, fabulous and attractive maybe!" Roisin laughed and her eyes sparkled,

"Well I'm not sure what Aiden has planned tonight but if I can I'd love to join you. It's been ages since I let my hair down." The two women had by this point reached the HR office and Cassie stopped and opened the door, she backed into the room, she smiled at Roisin and winked,

"We need to make sure you get a chance to have some fun then!" With that she disappeared into the office. Roisin continued down the corridor towards the canteen, it had been a while but if she wasn't mistaken she had just been flirted with. It was strange, she'd always thought that if a woman had flirted with her she would have felt awkward but she didn't. She felt flattered and quite excited. Cassie was young and attractive, surely she couldn't be interested in her.

Helen took a deep breath as she walked through the automatic doors, over the weekend she had actually been looking forward to going to work, it gave her something to think about. Something that wasn't her inability to write or the aching hole left in their lives by Cerys' death. Now however she felt slightly nervous.

"Hello Helen my love how are you?" Monica's cheery welcome dispelled any lingering feelings of nervousness,

"I'm well Monica thanks, and yourself?"

"Oh surviving you know!" Helen nodded and left Monica at the customer service desk while she went to swipe in. Helen moved as if on auto-pilot as she hung up her jacket and put her bag in her locker. She was still in a world of her own as she turned round and pushed the door open to leave, as she did she knocked someone flying. It took Helen a few moments to realise what had happened,

"Shit." Nikki was on her knees scrabbling on floor picking up pieces of paper, the remnants of a previously meticulously ordered folder.

"God Nikki, I'm so sorry, here let me help." Helen knelt down and began to help Nikki pick up things off the floor,

"No, it's ok Helen really. I'm better doing it myself I know what order everything goes in."

"Looks important."

"Not really, well it's front end stuff. Got a manager's meeting, in," Nikki looked at her watch and then rolled her eyes, "5 minutes ago."

"And I've messed up all your work."

"It's ok Helen, really, Jim won't notice!" Nikki picked up the last pieces of paper, "see you down the front in a bit." She smiled warmly and Helen walked out, making her way through the throngs of customers to the tills. Nikki must have had a good weekend, despite Helen knocking her flying and being late for her meeting she had been very pleasant company for a few minutes. Nikki shuffled her papers and straightened her folder, the warm, content feelings her Sunday with Frances had given her were beginning to wane. She had been determined to start her week off with a positive attitude, particularly towards Helen. She didn't think she had been very fair to her. She grabbed a pen out of her locker and a notepad and headed into the training room. Everyone apart from Jim was there, he always liked to arrive last, revelling in the fact that the meeting in theory could not start until he was there. This flew in face of what Nikki and the other managers believed, namely that if you were taking a meeting you should be there first, waiting for others to arrive. Nikki spotted a chair next to Yvonne,

"Saving this for someone?" Nikki motioned towards Yvonne's feet which were draped over the chair,

"Just you love, you alright? You look a bit flustered."

"Me flustered! I'm ok, just bumped into Helen Stewart."

"What, and that's enough to put you into a state?"

"No. You idiot Yvonne, I mean I actually bumped into her. She sent all my papers flying I've just been crawling around on the locker room floor picking them up!"

"Oh right."

"Sorry I'm late, bloody delivery was late as usual." Karen swivelled her head round as Kris Yates snowballed into the room,

"It's ok Kris, Jim isn't here yet. Delivery ok though, everything there you wanted?" Kris nodded as she poured herself a cup of coffee,

"Yeah, except I've got 8 extra pallets of salad bags, I assume you ordered them?"

"No. I hardly ever mess around with your produce order in case I get it wrong." Karen smiled wryly thinking of the times Kris Yates had got herself into a state when people messed with her orders, not a pretty sight.

"Oh, well whoever messed with it should have told me. There's a reason I didn't order that many salad bags."

"Please fill me in," Nikki laughed, "I'm just dying to know why."

"Oi, next time you moan about carrier bags Wade don't expect any understanding from me." Kris slumped into a chair at the back of the room and stuck her tongue out at Nikki,

"Harsh but fair, sorry Kris, go on." Nikki encouraged.

"Well the weather's on the change isn't it?"

"Is it?" Mark Waddle raised his eyebrows and laughed, "got a link to the Met Office have you Yates?"

"I keep an eye on the long range forecast yes!" Kris laughed knowing she sounded ridiculous but carried on regardless, "if I know what the weather's doing I know what to order. Hot weather means lots of salad bags because people have barbecues and want food without the hassle. In colder weather people aren't too bothered about spending more time in the kitchen preparing. The weather is getting colder those bags won't sell and I'm going to have loads to throw away, which means my spoilage will go through the roof and I'll get a bollocking when it isn't even my fault." Yvonne turned round leaning back precariously on her chair,

"Don't worry about it love, we all know what's going on." Jim walked into the room, seemingly in no great worry despite the lateness of his arrival,

"Sorry I'm a bit late," Jim looked round the room, not sounding or looking particularly bothered, "just had Frances Myers bending my ear." Nikki looked up swiftly from her notepad where she had been doodling aimlessly. Jim eased himself into a chair and looked around the room, taking in who was there and where they were. Kristen Yates was lounging around at the back of the room acting like she was in her sitting room at home. Yvonne, Karen and Nikki as ever were sitting together at the front, no doubt ready to have a go. Bloody women, thought Jim. Mark Waddle was sitting to his right, though Jim knew that given half a chance Mark would be sitting with the others. Other department heads were dotted around the room, looking incredibly disinterested,

"Right, well Myers will be in on Thursday."

"Bit late notice isn't it?" Yvonne looked up surprised,

"Busy I suppose isn't she." Nikki commented,

"Yes thank you ladies, if you could let me finish my own sentences today before leaping in. She's popping in with Neil Grayling the current regional manager for a quick tour before our inspection which will be a fortnight after. Now it goes without saying that I want this place looking spot on. Kris I need the produce looking good please."

"Kris' fruit and veg always looks good," Karen giggled, "pride of Birmingham she is!"

"Thank you Karen." Jim hated these meetings, "Kris?"

"What?"

"Did you hear me? This is a meeting you know, you're required to speak not fall asleep."

"I heard you Jim, what do you suggest? A few pallets of salad bags on the front?" Kris' comments were dripping with sarcasm and disdain which Jim seemed not to pick up on but to which the rest of the room collectively drew breath,

"Great idea Kris. Good job I ordered extra isn't it." Jim winked at Kris and then moved down his hand written sheet to the next point. Kris shook her head, he really was unbelievable, he had no idea at all.

"Next point, customer service. Our scores have generally been good.."

"Best in the area." Nikki interrupted, Jim looked up,

"I know but always room for improvement eh Nikki."

"Well yes but Jim how do I improve on 100 scores? My cashiers don't get enough praise as it is. I'll be damned if I'm going to go down there and have a go when they are doing more than required already."

"The scores I'm looking at aren't 100."

"What's the date on them?"

"January."

"Well they aren't the most recent, bloody hell Jim you could at least turn up with your paperwork up to date."

"Speak to me like that again Wade and you can leave the room." Nikki was about to retort when Yvonne placed a calming hand on her arm,

"It's not worth it Nik." She whispered out of the corner of her mouth, "save your energy for a battle you can win." As much as it annoyed Nikki she knew Yvonne was right. Jim had really riled her but there was not a lot she could achieve by losing her temper in the meeting in front of everyone else, Jim would turn it to his advantage making her look hot-headed. She bit down on her lip hard enough to stop her from responding and turned her attention back to her notepad.

"Well as long as that's sorted." Jim looked around the room smugly, "Overtime." Yvonne shifted uncomfortably in her chair,

"What about overtime Jim?"

"Well we need to cut our overheads, I think we need to cut our wage bill."

"Since when? I've had nothing come down from area HR."

"I know you haven't Yvonne, this is going to be a store initiative. Overtime will from now on be time and a half not double time." Everyone in the room now shifted uncomfortably, managers and department heads alike, considering how they were going to inform their staff.

"Jim, is that really necessary? If the company as a whole is not doing it then why do you think we need to?" Yvonne knew that Jim's decision would damage morale in the store.

"Supersavers believe in giving store managers autonomy to make important decisions within their own stores, I think it's about time I used that power and made some changes." Karen laughed,

"You can't make changes for the sake of it Jim, just because you feel the need to stamp your authority down. This is not a wise decision, particularly with an inspection round the corner."

"Well I'm afraid Karen the decision has been made, I think area will be happy with a reduced wage bill and a store that runs efficiently."

"The store runs efficiently because of the staff, this decision will annoy people needlessly thus making them less likely to work at their best, Mark surely you can see that?" Karen turned to Mark Waddle who looked like he would rather be anywhere but in the meeting,

"I'm afraid there's no point looking to Mark Karen. All the paperwork has been signed and counter-signed."

"What?"

"Signed by store manager and counter-signed by the assistant manager. Now if we could move on. Final points, all department heads let your staff know that Myers is in on Thursday. Name badges are crucial, uniform must be up to scratch, manners on the shop floor impeccable. I'm not going to be shown up by some 16 year old chewing gum, alright Yates? Get your lot in order. That's it then folks, back to work." Jim didn't give anyone the chance to speak as he marched out of the room.

"Why is he making a point of my staff?" Kris folded her arms indignantly, "they do a good job. Well Mark, hope you've got a good reason for signing that paperwork. I for one have got work to do, see you at Barratts later Nik?"

"Yeah definitely Kris, I'll have a pint waiting for you." Nikki turned round on her chair folding her arms and crossing her legs, "what were you thinking Mark? Why didn't you let us know what to expect? It's bad enough but it would have been better with some warning."

"I know I'm sorry, it all happened very quickly. I was put in a very difficult situation." Karen had remained silent since questioning Jim about the decision, she now stood up very slowly and looked at Mark.

"You should have told me, or at the very least warned Yvonne." With that she left.

"Karen, wait."

"Leave her Mark, I think you've really offended her. It's best if you let Karen think about it in her own time." Yvonne and Nikki left Mark in the training room explaining the implications of Jim's decisions to the other department heads.

"I suppose I better get on with some work, I'm going to have a lot of people coming to me wanting to know why they aren't getting the same money for their overtime."

"It's crap, you have to deal with all the fallout."

"Well it's part of being the HR manager I suppose. Catch you at the pub later."

CHAPTER EIGHT

During the meeting the store had continued to run despite the absence of heads of departments and managers. On the front end Selena and Monica had kept things ticking over whilst continuing to show Helen the ropes.

"Ok so I have to press this button to transfer calls and this one to hold calls." Selena nodded,

"Yep, you see Helen no problem at all. Look here comes a customer to the desk, you can deal with them. If there's a big problem then you can call me or Mon over but otherwise they are all yours." Selena smiled encouragingly and left Helen at the customer service desk walking over to Monica who was standing at the supervisors desk trying to organise the breaks. The store was busy, not so busy that the tills couldn't cope but busy enough that all the cashiers were occupied and closing a till would have caused a problem.

"How's Helen getting on Selena?"

"Brilliant, like a duck to water."

"Good, I think she's lovely."

"Yes she is. I have to say Jim Fenner actually did very well taking her on I think she fits in very well. Do you think we should invite her out for a drink tonight?"

"Oh I think so."

"Should probably check with Nik first though."

"Why? Doesn't she like Helen?"

"Oh you know Nikki Mon, she reserves judgement on all until they have proven themselves. Talk of the devil." Selena and Monica looked up as Nikki approached with a face clouded with anger, "meeting go badly?" Nikki threw her folder on the desk, stray pieces of paper floating out unnoticed.

"Jim Fenner is a twat."

"Nikki!" Monica admonished,

"Sorry Monica, but you don't have to sit in his meetings listening to the rubbish he comes out with. I don't know how he says the things he does with a straight face. Overtime's being cut."

"To what?" Selena chewed her nails nervously, "how annoyed are people going to be?"

"Cut from double to time and a half."

"Well it could be worse."

"I know it could be worse Monica, but it's the point. Anyway enough about him, how are we getting on down here? Helen ok?" Nikki looked towards the customer service desk, from where she was standing it looked as though Helen was coping very well. She was sharing a joke with a customer at the desk, her face lighting up as laughed, she really did have an infectious laugh. Nikki smiled, it was good to see Helen getting on well, despite her annoyance at her appointment by Jim Fenner Nikki had to admit Helen was a welcome addition to the team.

"We were just talking about Helen when you arrived, we were thinking of asking Helen out for a drink." Selena looked to Nikki expectantly, "what do you think?"

"I think it's an excellent idea, I'll ask her."

"Really?"

"Don't sound so surprised Selena!"

"Sorry it's just usually it takes you a while to accept new people."

"Mmm I know, but she's different. Helen seems to just fit in, don't you think Mon?"

"I do, well you go and ask her Nikki love, me and Selena will see to these breaks. Would you look at that pair!" Monica pointed towards Denny and Shaz Wiley, they were in fits of giggles paying little attention to the customers coming through their tills, "it's lovely to see them having a good time at work, but a little bit of work would be good too." Nikki glanced over, she'd rather see Denny having fun with Shaz than having her head filled with poison by Shell Dockley,

"I'll leave you to deal with that pair then, I'll speak to Helen." Nikki strode purposefully towards the customer service desk, Helen looked completely at home. She was busying her self tidying things up and adding notes to the diary, a strand of blonde hair kept falling from behind her ear, Helen merely pushed it back and continued with what she was doing. Nikki almost felt sorry for interrupting her, so engrossed she seemed. She coughed politely, Helen looked up sharply a bright smile on her face, clearly under the impression she was required by a customer, Nikki noted that although striking Helen's smile did not seem to quite reach her eyes.

"Oh Nikki, hi."

"Everything ok down here, you look like you have everything under control." Nikki swept her arm over a very tidy looking desk, "you better let Monica know where things are, she's not used to things being put away in cupboards and drawers!"

"Well I can put things back where they were if you would like." Helen uneasily began to move things around. It was something about being in the vicinity of Nikki that made her nervous,

"Oh no really I was only joking Helen." Nikki put her hand on Helen's arm to stop her moving things around. Her fingers were cold and Helen quickly pulled her arm away, "sorry, look there is something I wanted to ask you."

"Yes?"

"A few of us are going out for a drink tonight, nothing special just a local pub. I'll understand if you can't but it would be nice you know the team together."

"The team?"

"Yes Helen the team, you are part of the team you know."

"That's really sweet of you, I'll have to check we haven't got any plans tonight but otherwise I'd love to."

"Good well, we'll all be in Barratts from 8."

"Who would that be?"

"Me, Selena, Mon, Yvonne, Kris Yates from produce maybe some others." Helen nodded and Nikki thought she was about to say something when the phone rang, Helen smiled and shrugged apologetically and turned to the phone,

"Good afternoon, Harbourne Supersavers store, Helen speaking how can I help?" Nikki walked away leaving Helen to competently deal with the enquiry on the phone, she was so confident when dealing with customers and on the phone yet briefly before when talking to her Helen had seemed nervous and jumpy.

"Do you have to go out?"

"Fran I've been looking forward to having this drink all day."

"But it's Monday." Frances sidled up to Nikki who was flicking through her wardrobe trying to decide what top to put on with her jeans. She ran her finger tips down Nikki's bare back lingering over the strap of her bra. Nikki decided on a black shirt, quickly pulling it on.

"Stop it! I'm going to be late."
"I'll be bored."

"I'm sure you've got work to do, come for a drink if you want." Frances raised her eyebrows and collapsed backwards onto the bed,

"Maybe not darling, guess I'll have to amuse myself. Might have a nice long hot bath." She started to unbutton her own shirt as Nikki buttoned hers up,

"Don't you try and bribe me Frances Myers, I'm going for a drink."

"spoilsport." Frances threw a pillow across the room towards Nikki, who infuriatingly caught it and threw it back.

"Right I'm ready, how do I look?"

"Good enough to eat."

"Well don't eat too much tonight and you can have me when I get back. Later babe."

Barratts wasn't very busy as Nikki rapidly spotted her colleagues propping up the bar, Cassie pint in hand as ever and Selena delicately holding a glass of chardonnay.

"Hello Nikki, got you a drink in."

"Thanks Monica." Nikki gratefully accepted the vodka and lemonade proffered by Monica and took up a space in the ever-increasing circle of friends. Nikki looked around to see who was there, not that she would have admitted it to anyone but she knew she was looking for Helen.

"Ladies, how are we all? Can I get anyone a drink?"

"Think we're all sorted Yvonne, I'll give you a hand at the bar though." Nikki handed her drink to Selena and followed Yvonne the short distance to the bar. Yvonne planted herself at the bar, rapidly catching the eye of the barman.

"How about a shot, you and me Nik. I think we deserve it don't you?" Nikki knew that having a shot was a bad idea, she had to be at work in the morning and Frances would not be very happy if she turned up plastered.

"Maybe not."

"What? No way darlin' I'm having one so you can too. I don't mind what you have."

"Oh alright, get me a shot of vodka. Did you have many people coming to you about the overtime?" Yvonne rolled her eyes dramatically,

"Only half the bloody store, Jim left early as well so I couldn't even pack any off to see him. Here you go love get that down you." Nikki and Yvonne stood at the bar and downed their shots, screwing up their faces as the innocent looking yet deadly liquid burnt their throats. Nikki slammed her glass down on the bar,

"You know I always thought as I got older that downing shots would get easier, but you know what I think it's harder." Yvonne nodded,

"Come on, looks like we've got a table."

"I thought you were going out for a drink with people from work?" Duncan popped his head round Helen's bedroom door, she was sitting at her dressing table staring into the mirror,

"Sorry?"

"Bloody hell, earth to Helen! A drink sis, with work?"

"Mmm I'm not sure whether I want to go now."

"Oh no you don't, you need this. It's about time you went out and they seem nice. That Selena is a nice girl."

"Yes she is, how nice Duncan?"

"Oh Helen, I'm just saying. Come on you're half ready anyway, I'll run you to the bar." Duncan left the room, leaving Helen still staring into the mirror. She didn't know how long she had been staring into it before Duncan had disturbed her. She often did that these days, slip into a world of her own. Remembering how things were, thinking about what life was like now. She felt stuck, trapped, unable to go back and fix things yet unable to move forward and imagine that life could get better. When Nikki had asked her if she wanted to go for a drink she had initially been very excited by the prospect. Something different to look forward to, a sign that maybe she was beginning to put her life back together again. When she had got home though the memories had flooded back, the feelings of hopelessness, the desire to just crawl under her duvet and pretend the world didn't exist. Well she was dressed now, just jeans and a simple black t-shirt, she picked up her leather jacket off the bed and glanced in the mirror. It was strange on the outside she looked the same as she had always done.

Nikki's plan to have a sociable drink and stay sober had gone out of the window, another shot with Yvonne had seemed like an excellent plan and she was now on her third vodka and lemonade. She wasn't out of her face by any stretch of the imagination but she was very merry. She was now having fun at Cassie's expense.

"If you are too scared to talk to her I will."

"And say what Nik? My friend fancies you?"

"Well it's up to you, take your chance with me after a few vodkas or talk to her yourself." Nikki got up and made as if she was about to walk over to Roisin, Cassie rapidly leapt up,

"Ok, ok." Cassie picked up her drink and made her way around the other side of the table to where Roisin was chatting to Barbara, "hi guys, do you mind if I sit?"

"Not at all Cass, in fact have my seat I need to have a word with Monica."

"Cheers Babs." Cassie gratefully sat down in the empty chair, pulling it slightly closer to Roisin's, "how are you?"

"Fine thanks Cass, it's been nice tonight, you see people in a different light out of work."

"How so?"

"Well everyone is less stressed for one!"

"Very true, you managed to escape for a night then?"

"It's been a while so Aiden couldn't really begrudge me. He's quite good really."

"You look lovely by the way." Roisin noticeably blushed and looked down fingering the delicate purple top she had painstakingly picked out for the evening.

"What in this old thing!"

"Don't sell yourself short, you look beautiful." Cassie boldly decided to show her hand, she got up to get a drink from the bar and as she did so she leant down, and whispered into Roisin's ear, "you always look beautiful." With that she left Roisin at the table and dashed off to the bar, joining Selena.

"What's the matter with you?"

"I've just done something monumentally stupid."

"Cassie Tyler and monumentally stupid, sounds about right!" Selena laughed, "no really what's happened?"

"I've just seriously flirted with Roisin."

"About time. Thanks mate." Selena accepted her drink from the barman and handed over some change, "what happened?"

"I'll tell you later when I've recovered." Cassie placed her order and leant back on the bar, "isn't that Helen?" Cassie pointed towards the door, where Helen was standing clearly looking around for people she knew.

"Yeah, I'll go and get her. Stop moping Tyler, what's done is done." Selena made her way over towards Helen, "Helen, hi! Good to see you made it. Can I get you a drink?"

"Hi Selena!" Helen was clearly relieved to see someone she knew, "I'd love a glass of wine."

"Fantastic a girl after my own heart, come on then." After standing with Helen as she secured a drink at the bar Selena led her over to the table where everyone was sitting. Selena noticed a hesitancy about Helen, "don't look so nervous, we don't bite even after a few drinks!"

"I know!" Helen smiled appreciatively, Selena squeezed her arm affectionately.

"Hey everyone look who made it." The table looked up collectively, Monica was the first to make a move,

"Helen! Lovely to see you dear, come and sit yourself down." Helen joined Monica and sipped her drink. Nikki had noted Helen's arrival with interest, not that her demeanour revealed that. She was sat in conversation with Barbara, and when Helen looked up hoping to catch her eye she thought that Nikki hadn't even noticed she was there.

CHAPTER NINE

As is usual with social gatherings the group gradually rotated as people left to get drinks and went home, Nikki found herself sitting next to Helen. A usually confident Nikki, nervously cleared her throat before speaking,

"It's good you made it tonight."

"Yeah it's nice." Helen looked up briefly and smiled, she took a beer mat off the table and began to tear it up into small pieces.

"Your bloke looking after the baby?"

"Bloke?"

"Came to pick you up the other day, Selena said his name was Duncan?"

"Oh Duncan. He's at home with Olivia yes, but…."

"Olivia that's a pretty name."

"Yes it is."

"How old is she?"

"9 months." Nikki nodded, she couldn't believe she was sitting her talking about babies. She didn't hate babies, some of them were perfectly pleasant but she wasn't really a baby person. Was she supposed to ask how Olivia slept, or what she was eating now? She was relieved when Helen was the one to speak,

"I'm really sorry about knocking you over earlier, I was in a world of my own."

"That's ok, just a few papers."

"How was the meeting?"

"Crap, Jim Fenner deciding things need to be changed all of a sudden. The problem is he never deals with the consequences it's always the other managers."

"I guess someone has to make the hard decisions."

"Yes they do, but I believe if you make the hard decisions then you should also be prepared to accept the fallout and be able to confidently explain to people why you decided what you did." As though to emphasise her point Nikki drained the rest of her drink and slammed her glass onto the table. Helen couldn't help herself, and she surprised herself when a small giggle escaped her lips. "What?" Nikki exclaimed with mock anger, "why are you laughing?"

"Oh I'm sorry Nikki, it's lovely really, to hear someone so passionate about their job."

"And that's funny because…"

"When you mention Jim Fenner's name you get little pink spots on your cheeks!"

"Do I?" Nikki's hands flew up to her cheeks,

"Either that or it's the drink!"

"Oi! I am your boss remember!"

"Of course maam, I apologise. Can I get you another drink boss?"

"Please, lemonade, without the vodka though this time."

"Ok, I'll be back in a tick." Helen edged her way around the table and made her way to the bar, Nikki watched her all the way there.

"Be careful Nik."

"What do mean Yvonne?"

"I think you know love, anyway I'm off. I've got two days off now so I'll see you on Thursday when Myers is in." The group was definitely beginning to thin out, Nikki glanced at her watch, 22.45, that was why people were leaving. Roisin was someone else leaving,

"Bye everyone." She threw her jacket on and made towards the door, Cassie quickly followed her and grabbed her elbow just before she walked outside,

"Wait."

"Why?"

"Are you leaving because of what I said?"

"No Cass, I'm leaving because it's nearly 11 and I have a husband to get home to."

"Let me walk you home, or share a taxi."

"I don't need escorting Cassie."

"I want to though, please Roche." No one ever shortened Roisin's name, not even Aiden but she liked it. She realised that there was no point arguing, Cassie would just follow her anyway."

"Fine, come on then." Cassie glanced over her shoulder, Nikki and Selena were both watching intently and she grinned broadly at them before following Roisin out of the door.

"Well, well."

"Don't start speculating Geeson." Nikki leaned back and lit a cigarette, blowing the smoke high into the air.

"Fine, right I'm off now, are you coming Babs?"

"I'll just nip to the ladies before we go, do you want a lift with us Monica?"

"Lovely yes please."

"Oh right you lot all bugger off then and leave me to it." Selena smiled and leant down to kiss Nikki goodbye,

"You've got Helen to keep you company though." She winked and followed Monica and Barbara out. Helen returned with the drinks a couple of minutes later, surprised to see Nikki on her own,

"What have you said?"

"Nothing I promise!" Nikki held her hands up as a sign of innocence. The two women soon finished their drinks and Helen found she was struggling to keep her eyes open,

"You look tired Helen, shall we make a move?"

"Sorry."

"Don't be silly, shall we share a taxi?"

"Ok."

Cassie and Roisin had been walking for 15 minutes without exchanging words, both women were trying to guess what the other one was thinking, Cassie decided to break the silence.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel awkward, maybe what I said was a bit out of line."

"Maybe saying what you did and then not speaking to me was out of line." Roisin surprised herself with her boldness, but honesty was her way. When Cassie had said she always looked beautiful her heart rate had doubled, her stomach had done a somersault. Cassie had then gone to get a drink and had not come back, not to speak to her anyway, that was what had upset her. There was no way that Roisin would have approached Cassie, so she had waited for Cassie to come back but she hadn't. She chatted to just about everyone else, stopping short of actually speaking to Roisin.

"I know, I'm sorry for that, it's just I didn't know what to say and I thought you might be mad."

"Mad?"

"For what I said, or offended."

"Why would I be? Did you mean it?"

"Of course."

"Then I'm not offended. How can I be when you said something so lovely, it's been a long time since someone said something like that to me."

"I'm surprised, your husband should say it to you every day."

"He's not a man of many words my Aiden." They carried on walking slowly, neither of them wanting to go home, the summer air was warm and humid and a taxi hadn't even been mentioned.

"Perhaps we should be getting a taxi?" It was the last thing Cassie wanted, she would have been happy just walking around with Roisin, heading nowhere in particular.

"Well we're only about another half an hour walk from my house. We can call a taxi from there after a coffee?"

"That sounds good." They walked on for a few more minutes in silence, "is Aiden from Ireland too?"

"My accent is that strong?"

"Well yes! It's nice though I think accents are lovely, I haven't really got one and I wish I did."

"We're both from Ireland yes, Cork. We've been over here for about 5 years though."

"What does Aiden do?"

"He's an engineer. Cass why did you say what you did?"

"Because that's what I think. Look Roche since you started working with us I've thought you were amazing. You're gorgeous and friendly it's that simple." Roisin stopped and turned to look at Cassie, she couldn't really fathom why this attractive and fun young woman was saying these things to her.

"Are you messing with me Cassie Tyler?"

"No!"

"I don't understand. I'm so much older than you, I'm married, surely you could have just about any woman you wanted."

"I think you overestimate my powers of seduction! I know that nothing can happen, you're married and clearly straight, but I just wanted you to know how I felt." Cassie looked at the floor, her boots needed cleaning, they were filthy.

"I should be angry with you."

"I know."

"No let me finish. I should be angry, I'm married. I've never given you the impression I was interested, you are putting me into an impossible situation and we work together." Roisin paused for breath, and Cassie's heart sank, "but I'm not angry." Roisin's voice had softened and she stepped closer to Cassie, "I'm excited and thrilled and just a bit scared. I'm angry with myself for feeling how I do but if I don't do this I'm going to regret it." Roisin took Cassie's face in her hands and gently placed her lips to Cassie's. She kissed her softly and tentatively at first, unsure what Cassie's response would be. She didn't need to worry, although shocked at first she was quick to return Roisin's kiss. The two women stood in the warm air under a tree in a nondescript suburban street kissing gently.

Helen and Nikki had successfully managed to flag down a taxi and were arguing good naturedly over who should be dropped off first,

"Look Helen, I'm the boss. Oakland Gardens first mate."

"You are infuriating."

"One of my many qualities."

"You're not the boss outside the store, not of me anyway."

"Ooo issues with authority?"

"No issues with bossy cows!" Helen meant what she said but she couldn't help smiling as she said it, Nikki laughed,

"Ok point taken. Perhaps we should ask the driver where he thinks he should drop off first." Nikki knocked on the glass separating the driver from his passengers, "excuse me Mr taxi man."

"You two finished having a domestic?"

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. Where is easiest to drop off first Oakland Gardens or Park Parade?"

"Well don't bite my head off for this but Park Parade if you ladies want to get home before 1am. One way system you see." Helen smiled smugly,

"See I told you."

"Fine, Park Parade then, thank you." They sat quietly before Helen spoke,

"Park Parade is lovely."

"Mmm, well it's just a flat. We couldn't afford a house there!"

"We?"

"My partner and I." Helen felt that Nikki wasn't too keen to share details of her private life so she didn't pursue it,

"The house at Oakland is Duncan's I'm just staying there for a while." Nikki looked at Helen with a puzzled look, it was the 21st Century and people were entitled to live in whatever way they wanted but it certainly sounded like a strange set-up.

"Oh right." Helen knew what Nikki was thinking, it had amused her slightly, the conclusions people had jumped to. She hadn't corrected anyone because she hadn't wanted to get into any difficult conversations but she wanted Nikki to know what the situation was,

"He's my brother Nikki." Nikki didn't know why but those words made her feel incredibly happy, she almost felt relief,

"Why didn't you say so?"

"Well no one bothered to check, they just all assumed. I didn't correct anyone I suppose but then whose business is it?"

"You just told me."

"I wanted to." Nikki looked out of the window she could tell the taxi ride was nearly over, she didn't want it to be, she felt like she was just getting to know Helen and she was enjoying it. Since she had been with Frances she hadn't taken much time to get to know new staff. There was something very exciting about getting to know someone. A whole lifetime of experiences and differences to find out about, likes and dislikes, opinions. The taxi suddenly pulled over,

"Whereabouts love?"

"Sorry the flat's on the right opposite the garage."

"Right." Nikki pulled a note out of her pocket and handed it straight to the driver,

"It's been nice Helen, when are you in next?"

"Wednesday and Thursday, that area manager woman's in isn't she?" Nikki's eyes automatically flicked up to the windows of the flat she shared with the 'area manager woman',

"Yes she is, bye then." Nikki slammed the door shut and jogged up the steps to the door of her flat. She didn't look back, she annoyed with herself, and annoyed with Helen. She found her key in her pocket and fumbled with the lock, she hadn't really thought much about Frances over the last couple of hours, why had Helen had to mention her? Now she just felt guilty, and she hadn't even done anything! She reached the flat door and opened it as quietly as possible, the microwave in the kitchen blinked at her, 11.45. She found a tall glass clean on the draining board and poured herself a glass of water which she drank in one go, rapidly pouring another one.

"Good time?" Frances appeared in the doorway framed in light from the hall, she was wearing a short dressing gown and her hair had been tied up hastily,

"It was ok."

"Just ok? Pour me a glass of water would you darling." Nikki picked up a second glass off the draining board and poured Frances some water,

"I thought you would be asleep when I got back."

"The thing I'm just not tired, and you did after all make me a lovely promise when you left."

"I know but babe I've got a headache."

"Headache! What are you Nik a middle aged man? What I'm thinking of is the cure for everything." Frances moved slowly towards Nikki, untying her dressing gown as she did, revealing dark lacy underwear, "come on Nik, you know you can't resist me and I'm really, really in the mood." Frances snaked her arms around Nikki pushing her until her back was against the sink, she started to rapidly undo the buttons of Nikki's shirt, her warm hands fumbling with the clasp on Nikki's bra. Ordinarily this would have been Nikki's ideal way of being welcomed home, however she found herself irritated by Frances rather than turned on. She swatted Frances' hands away rather like she was a fly,

"I mean it babe, no." Frances would not be that easily perturbed, she started to kiss Nikki's neck,

"No." Nikki grabbed Frances' hands, "Fran sweetheart, I'm not in the mood. I can't just switch it on like you can. Bloody hell, it always comes down to sex with you doesn't it?" As soon as the words had left her lips Nikki wished she had not uttered them. Not because she didn't mean them, she absolutely did, but discussing it and bringing up the subject at midnight was not a good idea. Frances looked at Nikki coldly and tightened the belt on her dressing gown.

"Right." She picked up her glass of water and walked out of the kitchen.

"Fran, look I'm sorry."

"No, you're not Nikki. I know you far too well and you meant those words, completely and utterly meant them. I can tell by your eyes when you mean something."

"Ok, but I didn't mean it to come out like that."

"That makes it better." Frances' voice was cold and harsh, and her sharp grey eyes met Nikki's unflinchingly, "excuse me for wanting to show my girlfriend some affection."

"Affection is all fine Fran, it's just sometimes I think that you would rather have the sex than the connection."

"What are you going on about? Connections, affections? I love you, it's as simple as that. You of all people should know just how hard it has been for me to accept this relationship and accept that what I felt for you was more than just friendship. Is this about us not going public again?"

"No it's not, it's oh I don't know. I'm sorry I shouldn't have said what I did." Frances sat down on the edge of the sofa, and rubbed her eyes, briefly Nikki saw the innocent and sweet woman she adored. All too quickly she was gone though, Frances looked up,

"You're looking at me strangely. We've both got to get up tomorrow, let's go to bed. Don't worry I won't jump on you." Nikki knew there was no point responding so she merely nodded and went straight to the bathroom to get ready for bed. When she walked into the bedroom, the room was in darkness and Frances was curled up, seemingly asleep. Nikki slipped in between the sheets, lying on her back. When she closed her eyes the images that greeted her were a shock. Helen laughing, Helen smiling, Helen angry, Helen's eyes. Nikki didn't understand it, the thoughts that were beginning to crowd her mind were unwanted and unexpected. She sat up in bed and reached for her glass of water, taking a welcome sip.

"Are you ok?" Frances turned over in the darkness and Nikki felt her hand on her knee. She covered it with her own, mixing her fingers up with Frances', in the now half-darkness it was impossible to tell whose hand belonged to who.

"I'm fine babe, just my head pounding a bit."

"Take something then." Frances took her hand back and turned back over. Nikki sighed and laid back down. She thought for a moment that Frances might have been willing to forget what she said but obviously not. She hated sleeping next to her but not touching, in some ways it made her feel lonelier than if she had been in a single bed by herself. Eventually Nikki slipped into an uneasy slumber, images of Frances and Helen battling each other for space in her tired mind.

CHAPTER TEN

"Come on then Cass spill the beans, you've been far too quiet for my liking this morning." Selena and Cassie were holding the fort on the front end, both of them were nursing mild hangovers; the sort of annoying hangover that you only really get on a weekday. No part of Cassie wanted to talk about the night before, she couldn't stop thinking about it but it was the last thing she wanted to think about.

"Nothing to tell."

"You are such a liar Cassie Tyler come on."

"Selena leave it." Selena sensed that the situation was not an easy one, she lowered her tone and discarded the joviality,

"Look mate, something happened last night to upset you, it won't go any further you know."

"I know." Cassie sighed and cast her mind back to the previous evening. It had been so promising, so amazing. They had stood under that tree kissing for what seemed like hours, Roisin had clung to her as though she would never let go. Cassie had drawn her to her holding her as tightly as possible, frightened that if she let go Roisin would disappear. When they had finally pulled apart, Cassie's contented smile had soon vanished, the look in Roisin's eyes was not happiness it was fright.

"No, no." Roisin's hand flew up to her mouth, "I'm married, I'm not, not, not."

"Not not what? Gay? Queer? Jesus Roche, calm down."

"No I will not clam down. You shouldn't have done that."
"You kissed me!"

"You should have said no."

"A gorgeous woman who I have just practically spelt out 'I fancy you' to, kisses me and I'm meant to not respond?" Cassie stood incredulously with her hands on her hips, she honestly couldn't believe what she was hearing. There was no way she had taken advantage of Roisin but that was how she was being made to feel.

"You should be able to control yourself!"

"What! Now I'm a raving lesbian who can't control herself? You are unbelievable, I have never been kissed like that, and despite what you think of me I don't have that much experience to draw from. You wanted that as much as me and now you can't cope with how you feel. Well don't worry Roisin, you have nothing to fear from me, I like my women with a spine!" Cassie turned and began walking back towards the main road, she heard Roisin shout her name but she didn't turn around. There was no way anyone would see her with tears running down her cheeks.

Cassie finished filling in Selena with the details of the previous evening,

"So that's about it. Made a complete fool of myself and Roisin now thinks I'm some sort of raving woman-eater." Cassie crossed her arms and watched as the tills got steadily busier, "I don't know what the matter with me is, I don't usually care what people think about me." Selena smiled,

"Cass I haven't seen you this bothered about anyone since I've known you, and to be honest I don't think you are the one who looks like a fool."

"Oh?"

"No, look Roisin clearly panicked didn't she. She'll be really embarrassed about it all. She kissed you back didn't she?"

"Selena I haven't been kissed like that before."

"Well then. That's the phone I'll go." Selena made her way down the front end past all the tills, swiftly reaching the customer service desk.

"Harbourne Supersavers, Selena speaking, how can I help?"

"Selena it's Roisin, I won't be in today I'm afraid." Selena silently shook her head,

"What's the matter Roisin? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'd rather not get into it."

"I've got to put you through to the duty manager, it's Karen, and she'll want some sort of an explanation. Look Roisin, if it's an issue with work it won't just disappear you know."

"Just put me through to Karen please Selena."

"Fine, just hold then. Staff announcement, Karen Betts contact line 206 please, telephone call." Selena placed the receiver down and waited for Karen to call down, she couldn't believe Roisin. She obviously was having trouble dealing with what had happened the night before. Roisin was a model employee, there was no way she was ill she hadn't even bothered to try and sound unwell or come up with a convincing story. She transferred the call, Cassie was not going to be happy.

Roisin put the telephone down, she flicked the kettle on and watched as the steam drifted towards the window, condensation formed quickly and soon most of the garden was obscured. The kettle clicked as the water reached its boiling point making Roisin jump. She made a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table. She felt so guilty, she couldn't remember the last time she had rang in sick like that. Selena obviously knew what had happened, Roisin put her head in her hands, how humiliating. She actually did feel queasy, but it was nothing to do with a stomach bug or food poisoning, it was a combination of feeling guilty because of how she had treated Aiden and feeling guilty because of how she had treated Cassie. Cassie hadn't deserved the things that Roisin had said, she'd been very unfair. There had been two very willing people involved in that kiss, Roisin unconsciously touched her lips, it had been amazing. When she had finally got home Aiden had been asleep, it was a good job really because he probably would have wanted to know why she was so shaken and tearful. She had poured herself a large brandy and sat in the lounge, rolling the liquid around the glass trying to make sense of what had happened. There was no doubt in her mind that kissing Cassie had been the right thing to do, when she had got changed before going to the pub she had dressed with Cassie in her mind. Would she like what she wearing, would she flirt with her? When they had kissed Roisin had lost herself completely, it was only when they had stopped kissing, when her mind had suddenly become crowded with images of Aiden and the children that she had panicked. Now she felt terrible, Cassie had been right to say what she had and to walk away, she would never want to speak to her again. Not going into work was not going to solve anything but she needed some breathing space to get her thoughts organised.

"Feeling better love?" Aiden walked into the kitchen, "any tea in the pot?"

"The kettle's just boiled. You can go to work now you know, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You still look a bit pale."

"Nothing a day off won't sort out."

"Ok then. Don't you worry about making dinner tonight, I'll get some take-away on the way home from work." Roisin nodded miserably as Aiden walked out of the kitchen with his cup of tea looking very proud of himself. It was all he thought about, what his wife was doing for dinner and when it would be on the table. In some ways it was her own fault, she had for so many years filled the role of compliant housewife and mother. It was only now she felt it was not enough. There was more out there and Cassie had shown her a glimpse, there was a side of her personality she had never had an opportunity to explore. Tomorrow she would go to work and she would speak to Cassie.

"Karen." Karen looked up from the desk, Jim was leaning against the door frame, smirking.

"What?"

"Just being polite, good drink last night?"

"I didn't go."

"Finally realised what a waste of space Wade and Atkins are?"

"I already had plans actually Jim and as you well know Nikki and Yvonne are good friends of mine. Now if you have quite finished making sly comments about other members of staff I have some people to speak to." Karen gathered up her paperwork and left the room, her perfume lingered. Jim sat in the chair and picked up a pen, and then just as quickly tossed it across the desk. It was so infuriating the only person in the store he actually was bothered about hated him. He'd always had a thing about Karen, she was beautiful and intelligent, and now thanks to her divorce – available. She would never look at him though not while she socialised with those bitches. He knew they went on little outings, drinks, bowling, to their faces he mocked them for it but part of him was jealous. It was only a very small part, most of him revelled in being the manager and being disliked for it, but just now and again he wished he was part of the rest of the team. He knew they had all gone to Barratts the previous evening, he'd even walked past, toying with the idea of going in and spoiling their fun. He pushed the niggling feeling of being left out to the back of his mind and instead thought about when he could snatch a few illicit and sordid moments with Shell Dockley. Most importantly he needed to begin to put his plan into action, he needed stitch Nikki Wade up, and well.

Karen had moved herself to the computer room, as far away from the manager's office as possible. Jim made her cringe, she hated the way he looked her up and down. Her stock figures were not balancing and she chewed the end of the pen trying to pinpoint where the error was.

"You look busy." Mark Waddle nervously sat on the edge of desk clearly expecting Karen to tell him to piss off.

"Don't look so bloody scared Mark, I'm not going to bite your head off."

"I wouldn't blame you."

"Look." Karen spun around quickly on the chair and pushed some of her blonde hair out of her eyes, "you obviously feel bad, there's no point me having a go, it's just we would have all expected some warning Mark, especially from you."

"I know and I am sorry Jim said we wouldn't tell anyone in the meeting he said we'd talk to managers individually. I believed him, like an idiot."

"You're not an idiot Mark, Jim's a manipulative sod. You are as much of a target as anyone else." Mark cleared his throat, he was clearly working up to asking her out again and Karen didn't know whether she wanted to hear the question.

"I've really got to sort out this loss in my stock, I'm going to have a word with Colin. See you later Mark." As she walked through the warehouse looking for Colin Hedges, the wines and spirits supervisor Karen thought about Mark. He was so nice, maybe that was the problem, too nice. She needed someone who had a bit more about them, not someone who would just give in and tiptoe around a subject.

"How many times do I have to tell you Adrian? Put your bloody mobile phone in your locker or I'll put it in a wall, do you understand?"

"Sorry Yvonne." Adrian scuttled off,

"Well that told him. Thought you had a couple of days off?"

"I did but don't get me into it, this lot piss me off, I'm not unreasonable. They all know the rules, no money, no gum, no phones. Are you alright? You look a bit preoccupied?" Yvonne fell instep beside Karen and they both walked swiftly through the warehouse,

"My figures don't balance."

Fascinating, and the real problem?" Karen laughed, Yvonne always got straight to the point, no bullshit with Yvonne.

"Mark was just about to ask me out again."

"God call for the police!"

"It's just I don't think there's anything there worth pursuing."

"Sometimes the pursuing is worth it even if there's not much left at the end."

"Maybe, he's just a bit too…"

"Nice?"

"Yes!" Karen laughed, Yvonne knew exactly where she was coming from.

"Why do we go for bad boys eh? My Charlie was a bastard sometimes, well most of the time actually but I loved him right up until the end." The two women had stopped walking and were now stood by the bailer which was steadily crushing the hundreds of cardboard boxes which came through the store every day. Yvonne had never really talked about her ex-husband, Karen knew it had ended badly but other than that Yvonne had never revealed much more. "He had a vicious side to his personality, never really towards me but I saw it plenty of times. The thing is even though I hated it, I found it very attractive as well. Nice men just don't do it for me."

"I'm starting to think I'm the same!"

"Ask Jim out!" Yvonne laughed, Karen looked at her aghast that she should even suggest something like that even in jest,

"I'm going to ignore that. Now if you'll excuse me I am a very busy person with lots of things to do." Karen tossed her hair over her shoulder stalked off, "you owe me a drink now Atkins for saying something so distressing!"

"Anytime darlin'!" Karen spotted Colin, if only there was a male version of Yvonne. She shook her head, what a ridiculous thing to think!